Your first instinct when finding a stray animal may be to take it into your home and welcome it as your own. However, there are many factors to be aware of before you save the planet one animal at a time, and this includes implementing measures of safety. According to the Humane Society, there are many ways in which you can show care and compassion to a stray animal without getting in over your head, and this means being sensible with the steps you take after seeing a stray.

First, when you come across a stray animal, if you are driving a car it probably isn’t wise for you to stop and pick it up unless it is safe. If the animal is on the side of a dangerous busy road, you don’t want to risk other drivers getting in an accident to save the stray. If it is safe and you pull over, you want to be prepared to offer the needed care for the animal and practice safety on your part. If you are able to safety pull over your vehicle, put on your emergency blinkers and be prepared to approach an animal that is likely very scarred and alone.

When approaching a stray you want to make sure that you are safe at all times, there is a good chance that not only is this animal frightened, but they could also be injured or sick as well. You have no idea how this animal will behave when they meet you, so make every move very carefully. When you approach the animal and you realize it may look violent or otherwise unsafe, stay in your car, and call the animal rescue team in your area, don’t try to handle it yourself. If you deem the situation as safe, try to restrain the animal immediately with a leash or collar if you have one or even rope. As stated, these animals are often very scared, and as you approach the animal use extreme caution, because they may attempt to scratch or bite you.

As you approach the animal, talk to her softly, always staying where she can see you because you want to gain her trust. Continue talking to the animal and if she lets you approach her attempt to lure her into your car. It is encouraged that if the animal is willing to get in your car you stay at the location and wait for help to arrive. Try not to drive away with the dog unless no one is able to respond for help. Generally, it isn’t encouraged to drive with a stray animal in your car because you have no idea how they will respond to the strange motions of a moving vehicle.

When dealing with a stray, sick or healthy, wearing a name tag or not, it is essential to contact the local animal shelter. The animal may still be sick or otherwise dangerous, or their family could be looking around for them frantically. Even in the event you decide that you want to try to find the owner on your own, still contact the shelter so they are informed of the dog’s whereabouts, in case the owners contact them. You will want to take the animal immediately to a local vet for a checkup and necessary treatments for your safety and theirs. Consider placing a “found ad” in the local paper, and do your part to help the owners find their pet. In the event that the owner never contacts you, you can consider adopting the pet for your own. Contact your local veterinarian or shelter to learn more about this process.