Spotting a stray animal can tug at your heart strings. If you have ever lost a pet you know how painful and stressful it can be wondering what has happened to your furry friend and searching for them in neighborhoods and throughout your town. But this urge to provide happiness and closure for those who have been separated from their pets can get you into trouble. Stray pets can be violent, diseased, and highly dangerous. That is why it is so important to take the proper steps and act with caution when encountering and working with a stray animal.

Handling a Stray

When you come across a stray animal there are many steps you can take to prevent an injury or any suffering on your part or the part of those you care about. These include:

· Approach with caution! If the stray animal looks diseased or angry, stay away. Violent or sick animals can attack at any second and wild/unruly animals are capable of causing severe injuries. Should you notice a stray animal that looks dangerous or sick you should immediately call animal control. They will be able to take the animal where it can be treated or reunited with its owners.

· If the stray animal appears friendly and healthy you can try approaching them with calmly and with caution. Check their tags for any owner's contact information. Try getting into contact with the owner and set up a way for them to come and get the stray pet. If you choose to take the pet to a different location, avoid mixing it with other animals as you do not know how it will interact with others.

· Always clean your hands if you come into contact with a stray pet. Never let an unfamiliar pet near your face, taking particular care to keep them away from your mouth and eyes.

· If you get bitten or scratched by the animal you should immediately clean the wound. Keep an eye on the wound. If it starts getting swollen or itches, seek medical attention. Also, it is important you immediately seek medical attention if you think the animal which bit/scratched you was diseased.

These steps will help keep you safe near a stray pet and will give you the ability to avoid violent animal altercations.

By knowing what steps to take in potentially dangerous situations you will not only prevent injuries, pain, and suffering, but you will also be better able to keep yourself and those you care about safe. However, even when you act with caution and the general wellbeing of all in mind, it is not guaranteed that others are being as stringent.

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