What to do with a Stray Animal

Thank you for stepping forward and caring for this vulnerable animal! We hope this guide will help you find the animal's owners.

1. Call your local animal control. In Peoria County, that would be PAWS 309-672-2440. Tazewell County Animal Control is 477-2270. If it is after hours, or on the weekend, call your police department. Why? This animal may belong to someone who is desperately looking for it. The first place they will call is Animal Control. Legally, an owner search must be conducted for 72 hours before Foster Pet Outreach can begin to help an animal. Even well loved animals can look pretty rough after a few days on the run. Tags can be lost, and fur may become dirty and matted. Previous health conditions can account for skinny or malnourished appearance. Animal Control has the legal power to determine neglect or abuse. What will happen when you call? Tell them you have found an animal and would like to know if anyone is searching for it. They will ask if you want them to come pick it up. You may keep this animal if you choose to, unless, of course, an owner is found. Remember, Animal Control also wants what is best for this living being.

2. Be sure to keep this animal separate from your pets and children. With an unknown temperament and health status, you shouldn't take any chances. Dispose of any poo in a plastic baggie in case of parasites. Be sure to wash your hands after contact.

3. Ask all your neighbors if they know this animal.

4. Check the paper for lost ads.

5. Post flyers everywhere in your neighborhood. Include a photo of the animal. Put flyers in stores, on signposts, vet offices, and grooming salons.

6. Place a found ad in your local paper. They are very inexpensive. Ask any callers to be able to produce some form of ownership, like a photograph, or identifying vet record.

7. Stray cats often belong to a feral cat colony. For help with a feral cat colony, contact Sterile Feral Foundation at 309-663-4406.

8. We do give priority to truly homeless pets. Sorry, we cannot accept any applications for cats.

Stray Surrender Application

Please complete this form as thoroughly and accurately as possible to help us determine if this animal is a suitable candidate for our program and to help us decide which foster home will best meet the needs to care for this animal.

Our cat foster homes are full. We can not accept any applications for cats today! Please visit our links page to find another organization, and find information about low cost spay and neuter programs.

Completing this form does NOT guarantee a placement.

Rescuer Information

First Name      

Last Name     

Address    

City                  (please note: applications will only be accepted from the Peoria IL area)

State          Illinois

Zip Code  

Phone              Additional phone number if needed 

Email Address   

Preferred method of contact 

Best time to call 

Animal Information

Is this a DOG 

       or a CAT  ? We are not accepting any cats at this time.

Where did you find this animal?                                                                                

Did this stray have a collar, tags or tattoo? Please describe. 

How long have you had this pet? 

What breed is this pet, or your best guess?  If you are guessing, please give us a description to support your thoughts- long/short hair, weight guess, etc. A photo is greatly helpful to us. Please attach your photo to an email : fpo_mail@fosterpetoutreach.org

Color of animal:     

Weight of animal (guesses are fine!)

Age of animal, or best guess:     

Sex of animal    Male             Female

Is this animal spayed/neutered?    Yes           

Is this animal housetrained?          Yes           

Is this animal crated trained?        Yes           

Does this animal get along with other:     Dogs          Cats          Children 

Tell us about behavior. Is this pet friendly, affectionate, snippy, frightened, etc.?

How does this pet react when left alone? (i.e. separation anxiety, destructive behavior, etc.) 

Is this pet afraid of anything in particular? (i.e. men, thunder, etc.) 

Describe any tricks they know: 

Has this dog EVER bitten another animal or person?     No            

If yes, under what circumstances? Please describe completely.  

What steps have you taken to find the owner? Please check all that apply.

    Posted flyers where the animal was found.

    Posted an ad in the local papers

    Notified the local animal shelters

    Had the animal scanned for microchip

    Checked with local vet clinics

    Other  (Please explain) 

Please list any other shelter or rescue you have contacted              

Pet's Medical Information

Have you taken this stray to the vet?     Yes            No 

What, if any, treatments were given?

 What is the name and number of the veterinarian?     

Please list any names (yours and the pets)  these records may be found under.     

What was the date of the last vet visit? 

Please list any medications the animal is currently taking.

Please describe ANY known health problems completely.

How long can this pet safely stay where it is?

Foster Pet Outreach is not able to help every animal presented to us. Occasionally, however, we will know of an individual looking for such an animal. We are happy to pass along information for you, with the understanding that such contact will be a Private matter between you and the other party, with no guarantees or warranties from Foster Pet Outreach. May we give out your name, phone number and email to an interested Private party?