1. Be ready to rescue. If you know in your heart that you're a rescuer, why not equip yourself to do the best possible job? Preferably you would have had observed the dog roaming around a localised area for period of time.
Here are some things you will need:
- Phone numbers of local shelter and rescue and a 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic
- Cat / dog carrier or cardboard box; collars and strong leashes for dogs; heavy blanket; water bowls and water; strong-smelling foods, such as canned tuna or dried liver; and an animal first-aid kit.
2. Safety First – Yours and the Animal. A strange, frightened and possibly sick or injured animal can behave unpredictably. Any movement from you may cause the animal to run, hide or attack.
3. Restrain the animal. Surround the area so that it cannot disappear or hide. If on the road, divert traffic around him if he appears to be injured and is still on the road.
4. Be calm and gentle. Speak calmly to reassure the animal. Make sure she can see you at all times as you approach. Use food to attract the animal’s attention. If necessary, do this over a period of time.
Some things to think through
• Where will you take the dog? Can you keep the dog? Call a local animal rescue with a no-kill policy and ask for assistance on where the animal can be kept and what is needed.
• Stay hopeful - don't assume you automatically have a stray. Give the animal and the owner a chance. It could be a pet that has been lost for a while and the owner may still be looking for it.
• Be realistic. Once you have taken the initiative, time and trouble to rescue an animal, it does not mean that a home, temporary or permanent can be found for it immediately. The animal rescue would also need help with expenses for the animal if it is injured.
• Show compassion. If you're unsure if you should help an animal you see on the streets, here are two questions: What if you got lost and could not ask for help? What if it was your pet?
Steps you need to take to help the pet find its owner.
• Take the dog / cat to the vet and ask them to scan to see if it has a microchip. This is a free service.
• If it has a microchip, the vet will contact the company where the microchip originates from and the owner will soon be reunited with his / her dog
• Sometimes the dog / cat has a microchip but its owners did not register their contact details with PetCall http://www.petcall.org/ This would mean that the owners cannot be traced, despite the dog / cat having a microchip. So please ensure you register your contact details with http://www.petcall.org/
• If it does not have a microchip nor a name tag, then these are the steps you have to take;
1. Inform SPCA – tell them where and when you found the dog / cat and give them a detailed description of the animal
2. Inform AVA
3. Place an advertisement in the Straits Times & Chinese papers – you are entitled to TWO FREE advertisements. Your advertisement should be clear and specific – where was the dog / cat found, when, description (colour, male / female), wearing a collar etc
4. Take a picture of the dog / cat and put up posters around the vicinity where it was found. Hopefully its owners will see the poster and contact you.
Hopefully after having done all this, the owner can be traced and the dog / cat will be reunited with them.
If after two weeks, no one comes forth to claim the dog / cat, then perhaps it was abandoned. Then the onus would be on you to help the dog find a new home, where it will be well loved and cared for, and hopefully not be abandoned again.
