is it ok to take in a stray and keep it?

Answer 1

Just taking it in and making it a fixture in your family? No. Definetly not. Containing them while attempts to find the owner are being made? That's a different story.

You need to either:

A)Call the police department, notify them. Put up fliers around your area and an ad in the paper. If no one claims the stray in around 2-3 weeks, you can safely assume they are abandoned and make them a permenant fixture in your family.

B)Call your county pound. Not the local shelter, the county pound. They're animal control and are meant to handle lost animals. Request if no one comes to claim the animal that you be notified so you can adopt it. They'll probably keep the animal seven days as 'unadoptable' only reclaimable, and then call you up if this does not occur.

It is not okay just to take a stray in and keep it quiet when you've no idea if there's an owner looking for them.

Answer 2

First, are you certain it is a stray, abandoned animal? You really should check to see if it is lost, or perhaps a stolen pet that has escaped. Watch for postings of lost/missing animals in your area, and check with animal control and the local shelters, to see if anyone has reported the animal missing.
If after following these proceedures, there are no claims, and you can afford all neccesary care, legally, you might still be required in your region to report your find to animal control and even then want to keep a record of all expenses for a while in case someone tries to make a claim for the animal. If it's legit, you are protected from accusations of theft, and may be able to recoop your expenses.
Most of this is over the top of precautions. But if you want to be certain that this will be your pet, it is wise to follow these steps.

Answer 3

I would advertise in a local newspaper or with flyers that you found the dog and see if anyone claims it. After, say, a week or so, if no one's claimed the stray, I'd say it's okay to keep it. If you have to put out any money on the stray to help with health problems and such, and someone comes to claim the dog, I'd also suggest getting compensation for the costs before they get the dog (excluding food costs, etc., of course)

Answer 4

Not until you have made every effort to find the owners. That means putting an ad in the classified section of the newspapers, calling the animal control or shelters and let them know you have it and checking the papers to see if anyone else is looking for the animal you have.

If you can't locate the rightful owners, then yes, no reason not to keep it - but you will need to get vaccinations for the animal to make sure it is and will remain healthy.

Answer 5

If you find a stray you should report it to the police and if no one claims it then you should be allowed to keep it! My cousin has two dogs and there both strays although the vet bills can be quite pricey

Answer 6

If you make a reasonable attempt to find the owner and cannot, and want to keep it, then I would say yes, it's okay. We have a Siberian Husky that we got as a stray, and another husky that we adopted from our local animal shelter.

Answer 7

Only if you make a true effort to find the owner (place an add in your local paper, post flyers at local vets & report the dog's description to the local humane society). Someone may be frantically searching for their beloved lost pet...

Answer 8

I believe so.i take in strays all the time. just be sure it is a stray.

Answer 9

Put Up Fliers And Stuff
If No one comes forward after 2 weeks
keep him/her
If his owner comes forward im sure they Will be grateful

Answer 10

I think it is because they have no home and if they run around they could get hurt