Here's what to do if you find a stray animal:
Stray animals are generally lost pets that have a loving owner who is missing them. Helping these animals to get safely home takes a community-wide effort, and RCHS is honored to be a part of this important work.
Be cautious about approaching any unknown animal. Animals may be scared and unsure of their surroundings and unfamiliar people. Do not attempt to catch or handle an animal which seems scared or reactive. You may be able to contain the animal in a fenced in yard, garage, kennel, crate, or live trap without making physical contact.
Check for a license tag or other identification. If you can get close enough to read the tags, please try reaching the owner. Many ID tags include names and phone numbers. If the animal is wearing a rabies tag, contact the vet clinic listed - they can often put you in touch with his or her owner. License tags can similarly be used to find an owner by contacting the municipality which issued the license.
Check with your neighbors or the houses near where you found the animal. Even if you don't recognize an animal, do not assume it doesn't belong to a neighbor! Many people have indoor pets you may never have met, or walk their dogs early in the morning/late in the evening when you might not see them. The animal might also be a new addition to a household or visiting temporarily. Many animals do not roam far from where they are lost, so chances are someone in your area will be familiar with them!
Have the animal scanned for a microchip. Your local vet clinic can quickly scan a cat or dog and let you know if they have a chip. Microchips are permanent IDs which are registered with the company who produced them. The microchip company should be able to give you the name and contact information for any chipped animal.
Some finders prefer to hold onto a found animal for a short time while they attempt to find the owner. If you are able to do this,
call Rock County Humane Society to place a found report. We will collect a description of the animal and try to match it to missing pet reports. RCHS can also scan found pets for microchips and take photos to assist in matching found pets with their owners.
If you need assistance with a contained pet found in one of the municipalities below, call Rock County Humane Society at (608) 752-5622. We will arrange to have you drop off the animal or send one of our Animal Control staff to pick the animal up.
- Avon, Town of
- Beloit, City of - Between 5pm-8am call police dispatch
- Beloit, Town of
- Center, Town of
- Clinton, Village of
- Edgerton, City of
- Evansville, City of
- Footville, Village of
- Fulton, Town of
- Harmony, Town of
| - Janesville, City of - Between 5pm-8am call police dispatch
- Magnolia, Town of
- Milton, City of
- Newark, Town of
- Orfordville, Village of
- Porter, Town of
- Spring Valley, Town of
- Union, Town of
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Some towns, villages, and cities choose to provide their own animal control. If the municipality in which you found the animal is not listed above, you must contact the Sheriff's department or the municipality's Chairperson in order to arrange services. RCHS is still able to collect lost/found reports for these areas to help facilitate matches.
Do not drop off animals at the front door or leave them here unattended. It is not safe for the animal!
If you have questions about stray animals running at large or abuse or neglect concerns, contact your local police or sheriff's department. Each township, village, county and city has its own reporting structure and methods of enforcement.
Wild Animals
In most cases it is best to leave wild animals alone for at least 24 hours before intervening. Animals that appear injured or abandoned are often only exhibiting defense mechanisms. Wild animals must be cared for a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian. RCHS does not have the facility to provide care to wild animals. For more information on what to do and who to contact, check out our wildlife page.
Stay up to date on the latest animal news and events through our paper and electronic newsletters.
We only have a few of our 2012 Calendars left! Each calendar is chock full of beautiful photos of our community's beloved animals & now they are only $10!.
Help raise money for Rock County Humane Society every time you send flowers! Fairview Florists in Janesville is teaming up with Flowers for a Good Cause to benefit local charities RCHS.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 18th for the 2nd Annual canine weight pull event hosted by RCHS and Alaskan Malamute Club of Wisconsin.
