I Found an Animal
What to do?
If you find a domestic animal in one of the municipalities we serve, reste assured that someone is likely looking for them. Contact us as soon as possible. Calls are answered according to their level of urgency.
What to do if you find a domestic animal.
A Domestic Animal That Is Aggressive, Injured or in Danger.
- Do not approach or handle the animal.
- Make sure that everyone nearby and the animal are safe. Do not place yourself in danger if the animal seems to be aggressive.
- Contact us immediately. Outside our business hours, please call 911.
For Dogs
- If they have a Proanima tag or medallion contact us immediately.
- If they have any other form of identification, you can try to contact the owner directly—they’ll surely be very grateful!
- You may bring the animal to the shelter during our opening hours. We can also arrange a pickup. Simply contact us to submit your request.
- Outside of our working hours keep the animal in a safe place and contact us as soon as our offices open. If possible, confine the dog in a fenced area, such as a backyard, a cage, or a room with adequate food and water.
- If you are not able to approach the animal; contact us so that we can know their location so we can pick them up.
For Cats
- If they have a Proanima tag or medallion contact us immediately.
- If they have any other form of identification, you can try to contact the owner directly—they’ll likely appreciate it!
- If the animal does not have obvious identification, please contact us. Our staff will answer your questions and guide you through the appropriate steps to take.
- While we wait for assistance or the owner’s return, keep the animal in a safe place. Confine the animal to a yard, shed, or room, ensuring it has access to food and water.
- If the cat has the tip of its left ear trimmed and appears healthy, please let it go free. This indicates that it has gone through our community cat sterilization program .
For Kittens;
Have you found one or more kittens outside? Here are some helpful tips.
1. Install it(them) in a safe space
Put the kitten in an isolated room, with blankets and cushions in a cardboard box for example. The place must be quiet and sheltered from your other animals (if you have any).
2. Warm it up
This is a very important stage because in the absence of their mother, kittens under 4 weeks old are fragile and unable to retain their body heat, an essential condition for them to be able to eat and develop. Use blankets for this or ideally a magic bag that you can find at a vet or pet store. Increase the room temperature if necessary.
Optimal body temperature indicators:
- 4-6 weeks of age: 37.7 – 38.3 C
- 6-8 weeks of age: 37.7 – 38.3 C
3. Feed it
Follow this guide according to the kitten’s estimated age:
The kitten is 0 to 21 days old
- Less than 7 days old; eyes are closed, ears are folded, umbilical cord still present.
- Age 7 to 14 days; eyes are open, ears are slightly unfolded, no umbilical cord.
- Age 14 to 21 days; straightened ears, front teeth present, clumsily try to walk.
Up to 21 days, the kitten must absolutely be fed every three or four hours with a special formula designed for kittens, using a suitable bottle. You will find everything you need in pet stores or veterinary clinics.
the kitten is 21 days or older
From 21 to 28 days: the kitten explores with more confidence, presence of canines, able to retract its claws. When it is four weeks old, you can start giving it wet kitten food diluted with a little water, four times a day. If the kitten does not eat it, keep bottle-feeding (see above).
Regular weight gain indicates good nutrition. Use a kitchen scale and weigh the kitten to verify that it is gaining enough weight.
4. Keep it clean
The mother stimulates the kittens to defecate and urinate regularly. Kittens need stimulation until 3 weeks of age. They should be stimulated after every meal. Kittens should urinate every time and should defecate at least once a day. Urine is pale yellow/clear and stools are yellow-brown with a soft texture similar to toothpaste. After each meal, rub the abdomen and genital area GENTLY with a cotton ball or gauze moistened with lukewarm water. If the kitten is not taking the bottle and appears swollen in the abdomen, try to stimulate urination and defecation before feeding. You can also try burping the kitten by gently tapping the back. If the kitten is swallowing a lot of air while taking the bottle, it may be necessary to stimulate burping after each feeding in addition to urination and defecation.
5. Watch out for germs
Kittens are fragile and at risk of developing infectious diseases. Before and after caring for the kitten(s), wash your hands. Ideally, use special clothes to come into the kitten’s room. Avoid contact with unvaccinated and/or outdoor animals.
IMPORTANT!
The kitten must be well positioned during meals. NEVER PLACE A KITTEN ON ITS BACK DURING MEALS . This is simply because a poorly positioned kitten can suck milk into its lungs instead of swallowing it, resulting in pneumonia and/or death. Kittens are most comfortable when they are in the same position they are in during natural nursing with their mother. To achieve this position, place the kitten face down on a blanket. If the kitten is restless, it is possible to swaddle it in a towel.
Think of a few things;
- Their socialization: Around 3 weeks of age, kittens need to exercise and play with their siblings. Socialization with humans can begin at this age as well. The critical socialization period for kittens is between 4-12 weeks of age. Provide safe toys and play with them at least once a day (never with your fingers!)
- Consider having the kitten sterilized and vaccinated or be assured that the future family will. As we do not want to contribute to the feline overpopulation problem by having them reproduce.
Contact your local animal control service. Above all, don’t leave them in the wild! This contributes to cat overpopulation and gives them little chance of survival.
Kittens of less than 2 months of age have less chance of leaving a shelter without the presence of their mother. The kitten’s immune system is very vulnerable, and therefore they can easily become sick. By keeping the kittens for a couple of weeks and socializing them you help the shelter enormously by alleviating the number of vulnerable animals being admitted to the shelter- for kittens an environment which can be very stressful for them. Experiencing kittens growing up at home is a beautiful experience. Kittens only ask for a place to call home, some food and lots of love!
Does the cat really need your help?
Here are a few indications which may help you know if the cat really needs your help;
- Do they have a beautiful coat?
- Do they seem to be healthy?
- Do they seem to be in good condition?
If you answer yes for all of these then it is highly possible that they are simply a visitor and therefore it is preferrable to not feed them or bring them to the shelter. They will return home by themself.
I found a wildlife animal
What to do?
We suggest you read our page on wildlife animals. Contact us as soon as possible. Calls are answered according to their level of urgency.
