Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1302808
and carriers in their vehicles so they're always prepared to help. Once the animal is secure in your possession, check for identification tags or look on the collar for any identifying information. If there are none, take pictures of him and post on social platforms reporting the location in which he was found. Since many lost pets are picked up in close proximity to their homes, search nearby neighborhoods for missing pet signs. During business hours, stop by the nearest veterinarian's office to borrow a leash, if you don't have one, and ask for them to scan the pet for a microchip. Realize the pet is likely afraid and will bolt once the door to your vehicle is opened unless you have him secured with a non-slip leash or carrier. It's best to ask the professionals at the vet's office for help. If the pet is not microchipped and animal control is not at capacity, take the pet there. Families will typically go to animal control first if their pet is missing. Update your social media post to state the current location of the pet. Animal control is required to hold the pet for a specified length of time before putting him up for adoption or making him available to rescue groups. The stray hold time varies by county. In Bibb County, the stray hold is seven days, while Monroe County is five days. An important last step is to create flyers from the photos you took and post them in the area in which you found the pet. While technology has helped immensely, I think more pets have been reunited with their families by the old-fashioned way of seeing a "found pet" flyer. It's a wonderful feeling to be part of reuniting a beloved pet with his family. You'll be glad you put in the effort to get the missing baby back to his home! – PATTI JONES OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 | maconmagazine.com 29