I found a Dog / Cat, what can I do to help?

1. If you have found a lost pet and have brought it to the shelter for public display and would like to do something more to help, consider the following:

• Post "Found" posters in the area where you found the pet.Click here for a template (in Adobe Acrobat format) that you can download and print.  You can add your specific information and then reproduce it!
• Look through the Lost and Found log at the shelter. When you review the lost section, take note of any descriptions that match that of the pet you found.
• Look in your neighborhood for any "Lost" posters that have a description matching that of the pet you have found.
• Look in the classified section of the newspaper under "Lost and Found." An owner may have placed an inquiry there.
• Check with the local newspaper about placing a "Lost and Found" ad in the classifieds; many papers provide this service free of charge.
• If there are any popular "Dog Parks" or leash-free areas nearby, place a "Found" poster there.

2. If you have placed a finder's hold on the animal and would like to adopt it into your home, please take every precaution so that your new pet does not become lost again!

• If you are adopting a dog, please make certain that his or her license remains current so that you can be contacted if he or she gets out.
  
• If you are adopting a cat, please put an identification tag on his or her collar. If someone else finds your kitty, they will know that he or she is owned and have a way to contact you.
  
• Dogs and cats both benefit from microchips! Microchips are a permanent form of identification and are an extra security measure to ensure that your pet will return home. Russellville Animal Control checks for all microchips and does a complete scanning of the animal at least three times!
  
• Make certain that you can provide a secure yard for your dog with a fence that will be high enough to prevent him or her from getting out.
  
• Indoor cats live longer lives! Consider keeping your cat indoors for his or her safety and to prevent your pet from becoming lost.
  

Thank you for helping to protect the homeless and stray animals in Russellville.  We greatly appreciate your efforts to reunite a pet you have found with his or her original family!