It is the time of year when SPCAs are inundated with abandoned and stray animals.

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The SPCA provides information on what to do if you find a lost pet:

1. Go to the nearest vet or SPCA (in the suburb you found the animal)

You need to have the animal scanned for a microchip.

Do not take the animal out of the suburb you found it in as the owners will first look at the vets and SPCA in their area.

2. Make sure the pet is safe at a vet, SPCA or with you and then report the pet missing at every vet, shelter and SPCA in your greater area.

Keep in mind that lost animals can travel quite far when they are lost, scared and confused.

The area you pick them up in may not be their suburb.

3. Contact all the vets in your area

Give them your contact details and a detailed description of the animal found, including:

• Where the pet was found.

• Sex.

• Age.

• Breed.

• Colour.

• Is the pet sterilised?

• Micro-chipped?

4. Post a photo of the pet you found on as many local social media and community pages and groups as possible.

Provide your contact details and the animal’s details (as above) and where you took the animal for safekeeping.