I have been caring for a stray for about two weeks now and am becoming fairly attached and am wondering how long do I have to wait before I can actually claim this dog as our new pet? I really like her and want to keep her but no one has called yet and I have yet to find anything anywhere that anyone is seeking her.
2007-10-20 02:02:33 · 11 answers · asked by SoySrtaBonita 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Good for you!! Call the local animal shelter and get the answer.....
2007-10-20 02:26:49 · answer #1 · answered by Henry H 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't think you can put a time line on it. You can't just like a dog adn keep it forever. What all are you doing to let the public know you have this dog? Have you notified police? Humane society? Put an ad in the paper? If all you are doing is harboring this dog and not doing everything in your power to find its owners then this is un-ethical.
Is the reason you like her so much is because she is or might be pregnant? What if she has a litter already and pups are going hungry because you have her stored away like she is yours?
There is NO timeline here. Not sure where people get the idea that if a dog is lost for 5 weeks its up fro grabs for a new owner to claim it. That is ridiculous!
2007-10-20 02:18:23 · answer #2 · answered by Freedom 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
My local animal shelter only holds animals for 5 days before they go up for adoption. I agree with what several other people have said - if you've tried to reunite the dog with it's owner then you can have a clear conscience. But consider - the owner's could be on vacation - it's always possible they could show up later and demand their pet back. So you might want to keep that in mind as you get more attached.
2007-10-20 02:25:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If I put myself in your position, I would say that if I called the humane society or local shelter to report it found (they keep track of these things), and, took advantage of the normally free ad in the local paper for found pets - and advertised it on say craigslist - for a total of a month, my job was done, the cat was mine. Imagine how the owner may feel - this could have been completely accidental, the people may be frantic and have notices up in THEIR neighborhood - which could of course be miles and miles from where you found kitty!
If you make all efforts and feel good about it, then chances are, the owners won't ever locate the cat and consider it yours. If you are a good caregiver and really want it for your own, keep it as opposed to bringing it to a shelter. Most shelters are already overloaded due to negligent owners and put cats down when they run out of room.
2007-10-20 02:10:28 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know when I had a stray I was told it was 3 weeks.. after that the dog is your responsibility.
2007-10-20 02:27:33 · answer #5 · answered by kaijawitch 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Were I live its 5 weeks
2007-10-20 02:05:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have her checked for a microchip. If she has none, then just get her shots and register her in your name. Have her tatooed/chipped in your name too. Once you have proof that she is yours from medical bills, the other owners would have a harder time reclaiming her without paying for court costs and reimbursing your for your care.
2007-10-20 02:42:24 · answer #7 · answered by mama woof 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Different states/areas have different time lengths, so it really depends on where you live. Check with your local shelter and they should be able to tell you.
2007-10-20 02:32:13 · answer #8 · answered by N L 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The real question is, are you the strayed. And the dog has found you.... ?
2007-10-20 02:10:10 · answer #9 · answered by Idyllic 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
where i live 3 days
2007-10-20 10:10:00 · answer #10 · answered by GSD Girl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋