May 20, 2024

What to do if you find wildlife and domestic pets

Spring has sprung in the Pikes Peak Region – and with that animals of all kinds are out and about. This blog will help you determine who to call if you find an animal in need in your yard or neighborhood.

Call HSPPR:

As an open admission shelter, HSPPR is here for the domestic pets of our community. This includes dogs and cats, as well as small animals like guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits.

If you find a stray pet, you can help in a few ways. Before bringing the pet to HSPPR, try this first:

  • Check for a collar with tags
  • Check DocuPet if they are wearing a license
  • Walk the pet around the neighborhood
  • Create a flyer and hang it up
  • Check Nextdoor, Facebook, and Ring
  • Visit a vet clinic or HSPPR to check for a microchip
  • Found a kitten? Read more!

Some good Samaritans are able to temporarily care for a lost pet in their home. Fill out a found report so pet owners can find their missing pet. We suggest you check with neighbors and area veterinarians, hang signs, submit the pet to Petco Love Lost, and post notices on social media sites such as Facebook and Craigslist.

If it is safe to do so, you can bring the stray pet to one of our shelter locations. We provide them with a safe place to stay and daily care while our lost & found team works diligently to reunite them with their family.

Call Colorado Parks & Wildlife

In Colorado, you are likely to encounter wildlife when you’re outside on a hike, in your yard, or even in your home. You might notice baby bunnies outside or even a deer that got caught in your holiday decorations. For your safety, please do not attempt to touch any wild animal.

HSPPR is not licensed to accept wildlife. If you find orphaned or injured wildlife, deer, bears, birds, rabbits, turtles, tarantulas, and other non-domestic animals, please contact Colorado Parks & Wildlife for licensed rehabilitators.

Call Pest Control:

Some animals don’t quite fit the profile of wildlife or domestic pets. These could be any animal, from raccoons, squirrels, and skunks to bats, rodents, mice, and bugs. If you need help removing any of these animals from your property, it is recommended that you call your local pest control for assistance.

If you or your pet had an encounter with a wild animal, it must be reported to your local health department. Your local health department will instruct you regarding medical care for yourself and/or possible required quarantine procedures for your pet. HSPPR does not provide bite quarantine services.

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