If you find a stray animal in California, your legal responsibilities depend on the city or county where you are located, but there are general statewide and local requirements that must be followed. Below is an overview of what is expected of you and the steps you should take:
Legal Responsibilities When You Find a Stray Animal
1. Notify Animal Control or Authorities
Prompt Notification: In cities like Los Angeles, you must notify the local animal services department or a police officer within four hours of taking up a stray animal (or within two hours if the animal is attached to a vehicle). You must provide a description of the animal, where it was found, and where it is being kept.
Statewide Duty: State law also requires that anyone who picks up a stray animal must provide care and treatment consistent with what is expected of animal shelters, including prompt veterinary care, adequate nutrition, shelter, exercise, and water.
2. Provide Identification and Photos
Description and Photos: You must provide a description of the animal and, in some cities like Los Angeles, upload photos of the animal to the animal services website with your contact information.
Microchip Check: Take the animal to a veterinarian or animal shelter to be scanned for a microchip, which can help reunite the animal with its owner.
3. Care for the Animal
Temporary Care: While you may temporarily care for the animal, you are legally responsible for its well-being and any harm it may cause while in your custody.
Medical Needs: If the animal requires medical attention, you must seek veterinary care at your own expense and provide records to animal services if requested.
4. Attempt to Reunite the Animal with Its Owner
Public Notices: Post “Found” posters in the area where the animal was found, and list the animal on local lost and found websites.
Shelter Assistance: Bring the animal to a local animal shelter, where staff can help check for identification and post the animal’s information online.
5. Legal Ownership
Cannot Keep the Animal Immediately: Under California law, a stray animal is considered personal property. You cannot legally keep a stray animal; you must make reasonable efforts to return it to its owner. In many counties, the only way to legally keep a stray animal is to adopt it from the animal shelter after the required holding period if the owner does not claim it.
Finders’ Hold: If you are interested in adopting the animal, you can ask the shelter to place a “Finders’ Hold” on it, which gives you first priority to adopt if the owner does not claim it.
Summary Table: Your Responsibilities
| Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Notify Authorities | Within 4 hours (or 2 hours if attached to a vehicle) |
| Provide Description/Photo | Yes, to animal services or police |
| Microchip Check | Yes, at vet or shelter |
| Temporary Care | Yes, responsible for well-being and liability |
| Medical Needs | Must seek vet care at your own expense |
| Reunite with Owner | Post notices, list animal on lost/found sites |
| Legal Ownership | Only after adoption from shelter if unclaimed |
Additional Notes
Liability: You are liable for any harm the animal causes while in your custody, such as bites or accidents.
Special Cases: If the animal is sick, injured, or abandoned, you must ensure it receives proper care or notify animal control, who may take further action as needed.
County Variations: Some counties may have additional or slightly different requirements, so it is always best to check with your local animal services department.
By following these steps, you fulfill your legal and ethical responsibilities when you find a stray animal in California.
Sources:
- https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lamc/0-0-0-136501
- https://www.laanimalservices.com/i-found-a-pet
- http://www.straypetadvocacy.org/shelter_law.html
- https://www.sddac.com/content/sdc/das/lost-found/found.html