This post comes after receiving an email from a very distraught pet owner, who learned that Berger Blanc does not keep files on lost pets for more than 30 days. This is an odd practice, since I think most are well aware that pets can be lost much longer. Furthermore, she learned there are no details kept on animals that came in, whether they were euthanized or sold! It’s very important to be aware of this when searching for a lost pet. Be sure that you have an active file, (if you have one at all, as my understanding is that they don’t open files on lost cats at present!?). More importantly, go to check in person as often as you can, as having a file is not a guarantee that you’ll be notified that your pet is there either.
This being the case, it’s important that if you find a lost animal, you realize that the likelihood that it will be reunited with it’s family if brought to Berger Blanc is hampered by the fact that there’s a good chance that they don’t have a record that it was lost, and furthermore, it likely won’t be kept long enough for the owner to have a real chance to check! This is especially the case with a cat that could have been lost for months! Add on to this that they’re far away from many of the neighbourhoods they serve, and that they don’t publish their strays, and the difficulties become obvious.
Also, if an animal needs medical help, please don’t think that there will be any major interventions taken by a city shelter. (This would be true of any pound.)
So what should you do if you’ve found a stray? Ideally, if it doesn’t have a tag, you should check with a vet if it’s microchipped. If it’s not, then check for posters and listings, and also list it yourself. The SPCA will also publish it on their strays page. Try to do everything to get it back home, and if you can, keep it with you until you do! (Also, be sure that he’s claimed by his real owner.) This all might be inconvenient, but would be a very honorable thing to do! Realize too, that a cat could have been lost for a very long time! If you’re not able to keep it with you, or can’t find it’s owner, then try to find a no kill shelter. And if your intention is to bring it directly to the Berger Blanc, then honestly I believe you should just leave it where it is if it’s not in danger!
I think it would be a great service if those going to Berger Blanc would keep an eye out for each others pets when there, (I know some already do), since it is too far away for many people to visit regularly! If you check for others, they might check for you! And please keep collars and tags on your pets, and/or microchip, to be sure they have the best chance of getting home!
