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I found a stray animal. Now what?
You have some options if you take in a stray animal. Remember sometimes picking up an animal can mean you are taking responsibility for it until someone else is wiling and/or able to help you.
Option 1: If you are in the City of Erie and have found a stray dog or cat - you can call the City of Erie Police Dept at 814-870-1125. Animal Enforcement works Monday through Friday from 8am - 4pm. After these hours a police unit may or may not be able to help you. The CSO will be able to advise you.
Option 2: If you live in Erie County call the Erie County Dog Warden at 814- 456-9294. The County does not have anyone to pick up stray cats.
Option 3: If you want to bring the animal to the shelter you'll need to call and schedule an appointment to do so. We take strays in the public on Wednesdays from 5pm - 7pm and Saturdays from 10am - 1pm with an appointment. We need to do this to be able to have some idea of the number of animals coming in at any given time. We will do our best to accommodate the animal and may take in animals that are injured or suffering without an appointment on an alternate day with approval of the manager or director.
Option 4: If you want to hold onto the animal and try to locate it's owner you can do so. We strongly advise you calling all veterinary offices; us; the Humane Society; and placing an ad in the paper. Found Ads in the Erie Times are free 814-456-7021. Making fliers is helpful and placing them near where you found the animal. Please remember - the longer you keep the animal the more you legally become it's owner/guardian.
Is ANNA a "no kill" shelter?
We prefer to use the term "low kill" if any. Here at the ANNA Shelter we do euthanize for severe health or behavior issues only. There is no space or time limit for any animal placed in our care. We have Pennsylvania's most qualified veterinary staff in our building at least three times per week and rely heavily on their opinions. We also enlist the help of a certified behavior specialist on determining the adopt-ability of animals with issues. We believe and have witnessed a fate worse then death for some of these animals. We stand true to our value of doing what is in the best interest of the animal.
I can't keep my pet anymore. Can I bring it in?
Owner surrenders are handled on a case by case basis. Our primary focus and mission is to help those animals that are stray with no home or guardian. If space, time and resources allow we can and do accept owned animals in our program. You would need to call t he shelter or send us an email to start this process. We'll need to know the type of animal; reason for surrender; health or behavior issues; and other important questions that will help us to determine your pets adopt-ability. We may or may not be able to take the animal in. We also suggest the NWPA Humane Society, Because You Care or trying to place yourself.
I'd like to make a donation. How do I do that?
Thanks! You can send a check or money order made payable to The ANNA Shelter and mail it to us at 1555 East 10th Street, Erie, PA 16511. We can also take credit card donations over the phone. Monetary donations are used for a number of things but if you have something specific in mind you'd like your donation to be used for - just let us k now!
I can't adopt at this time...but I'd really like to help this animal in particular...what can I do?
If you're not able to adopt but have fallen in love with a particular animal we have for adoption you can sponsor that pet! By making a monetary donation for that pet - you can add toys and treats to his/her area and/or help cover the cost of getting that pet spayed/neutered. We will also send you an email when that pet finds it's forever home!
I brought in a stray. Can I track it to know what happens to it?
Due to the number of animals we take in every day and the amount of work that's involved with taking care of them we are not able to call and tell you what the animals disposition is. You are welcome to stop by and see if the animal has been put up for adoption. Keep in mind animals must be held for a minimum of 48 hours but may have a longer stray hold before they are placed up for adoption. Some animals never make it to the adoption floor as their owner claims them before their stray hold has expired. Please rest assured we are just as concerned as you are about the well being of each animal that passes through our doors. As you are concerned for this one in particular - we have many others who are in need of our attention. Our time is dedicated to them.
What happens to a stray once it is brought in?
The State requires we hold a dog for a minimum of 48 hours on a stray hold so the owners can come to claim him/her. If the animal has ID tags on - we do our best to locate the owner and arrangements are made to get the pet home. We usually extend the stray hold to try to find the animals' owners. Once the stray hold time is up the animal is evaluated for behavior/temperament; given the necessary vaccines; dewormed; treated with flea control and placed up for adoption.
I noticed some of the animals sneezing/coughing. Are they sick?
Many animals that come into the shelter can get colds or viruses of sorts. The shelter is a stressful environment for most of the animals - however much we try to alleviate some of that stress - it's hard on them and their immune systems. If we notice an animal not feeling well we may medicate with antibiotics. That animal may be pulled from the adoption floor while he/she recuperates. We would never knowingly adopt out an animal that is sick. We disclose everything we know about the animal at the time of adoption. Adopting from a shelter involves an amount of risk - but without people willing to take the risk and give these animals a chance - well - we don't like to think of what would become of them.
Does ANNA offer low cost spay/neuter and/or vet care for owned animals?
ANNA is the home of the East Erie Animal Wellness Center operated by the amazing vets at Camboro Veterinary Hospital. You can call the clinic at 814-314-1518 or check out their web page www.theannashelter.com/eeawc.html
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