If you find a stray animal in Pennsylvania, there are specific legal steps and responsibilities you must follow. Stray animals—especially dogs—are considered personal property under state law, and mishandling them can result in liability or legal trouble for the finder.
Immediate Steps to Take
1. Report the Stray
- Contact Authorities: Notify your local police, animal control, or the county dog warden. In many counties, you can also bring the animal directly to an approved shelter or SPCA.
- File a Found Report: Report the animal to local shelters and online lost-and-found pet databases to help reunite the animal with its owner.
2. Do Not Keep the Animal Without Reporting
- Legal Status: Pets in Pennsylvania are considered property. If you take custody of a stray and do not report it, you could be liable for theft or damages if the animal causes harm or if the owner is later found.
- Holding Period: Pennsylvania law requires that stray dogs be held at an approved kennel for at least 48 hours before any legal transfer of ownership or adoption can occur. This allows time for the owner to reclaim their pet.
3. If You Take Custody
- Liability: While the animal is in your care, you are responsible for its actions. If it injures someone or another animal, you could be held liable for damages.
- Medical Needs: If the animal is injured, you are responsible for ensuring it receives appropriate veterinary care while in your custody.
What Happens to the Stray Animal?
- Shelter Hold: Approved shelters will scan for a microchip, provide basic medical care, and hold the animal for a set period (usually at least 48 hours, but many hold for longer to maximize the chance of reunion).
- Owner Reclaim: If the owner is found, they may need to pay a penalty and boarding fees before reclaiming their pet.
- Unclaimed Animals: If unclaimed after the holding period, the animal may be adopted out or, in some cases, humanely euthanized. Shelters cannot sell animals for research or vivisection.
Legal Prohibitions and Penalties
- Abandonment: It is illegal to abandon an animal in Pennsylvania. Conviction can result in fines ranging from $300 to $1,000, plus costs.
- Theft and Damages: Keeping a stray without following legal procedures can lead to theft charges or civil liability if the animal causes harm while in your care.
Special Notes
- Cats: There is no statewide law regulating the collection of stray cats, but most shelters will accept them. If the cat has a tipped ear, it may be part of a managed colony and already neutered/spayed.
- Dangerous or Sick Animals: Never attempt to handle an animal that appears aggressive or sick—contact authorities immediately.
Summary Table
| Step/Responsibility | Legal Requirement/Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Report to authorities/shelter | Required by law for dogs; best practice for all animals |
| Hold at approved kennel | 48-hour minimum before adoption/transfer |
| Finder liability | Responsible for animal’s actions while in your care |
| Abandonment | Illegal, with fines $300–$1,000 |
| Adoption | Only after legal hold period and if unclaimed |
If you find a stray animal in Pennsylvania, promptly report it to local authorities or an approved shelter, do not simply keep or rehome it, and understand that you are legally responsible for the animal’s welfare and actions while it is in your care.
Sources:
- https://www.adamscountyspca.org/found-a-stray-what-do-i-do
- https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-3-ps-agriculture/pa-st-sect-3-459-601/
- https://www.eriehumanesociety.org/contact/stray-services
- https://www.luzernecountypetrecoveryservices.com/i-found-a-stray-dog-what-do-i-do/