Rome Floyd Humane Society

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FIND A DOG

*** Animals are considered property in Georgia and it is against the law to keep someone's property. The law is on the owner's side in the case of a found dog ***

FIRST, it is important to never judge a dog or his or her family based on their current condition. An animal may have been lost for a long time and living on its own and fending for itself. Thatcan explain a dog's dirty, matted or thin appearance. It may also have a medical condition that could explain weight loss or skin issues. It's important to give an owner the benefit of doubt and go through the proper channels to search for its owner.

SECOND, even if neglect or abuse is suspected, a finder does not have the right or legalauthority to make that determination and keep or rehome a pet. In Georgia, pets are considered property and it's illegal to take and keep someone else's property. You mustcontact your local animal control unit PUBLIC ANIMAL WELFARE SERVICES at 706-236-4545 and file a FOUND report for any dog you find. If neglect or abuse is suspected, it's up to that local animal control unit, not the finder, to investigate and intervene ifneeded. This protects a pet and their family from someone making erroneous claims and italso allows an animal control unit to investigate and bring charges which could protect other pets in harm's way.

THIRD, conduct an aggressive search for a dog's owner. Owners with a lost pet will move heaven and earth to search for it, but finders can sometimes fall short. Some people find a dog and want to help, but they have nowhere to house the dog so they feel the only option is to immediately rehome the dog or send it to a rescue. This way of thinking drastically reducesthe chances of a pet being reunited with their family. Both PAWS and your local vet will check to see if the animal has a microchip for you! In off hours, the Northwest Georgia Veterinary Emergency Center will check for a microchip as well.We highly recommend immediately posting a picture and information FOR FREE on Pawboost and any neighborhood or city Facebook groups you're a member of in your community.

Reminder: It is against the law in Georgia to keep a lost dog.

I FOUND A CAT! NOW WHAT?

First things first, lost cats are different than feral cats. If you're dealing with an injured or feral cat, email us at romefloydhumanesociety@gmail.com or through our Facebook page. If you believe you've found someone's kitten or adult cat start by immediately posting a picture and information FOR FREE on Pawboost and any neighborhood or city Facebook groups you're a member of in your community. Both Public Animal Welfare Services - 706-236-4545 and your local vet will check for microchip information to see if this lost cat can be reunited quickly with its family. Contact us for information on how to reserve a trap and safely transport this cat to be identified.

How Do Animals Become Emotional Support Animals?

To apply for an emotional support animal (ESA),you must first get a legitimate ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional after a consultation. This professional will evaluate your condition and determine if an ESA would help with your symptoms. If they approve, you can then use the letter to request accommodations from your landlord or for travel, which may require providing the letter to your landlord and filling out additional forms if they require them.

Step 1: Get evaluated by a mental health professional

Talk to a licensed mental health professional, such as a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
You can find a professional in person or through online services that connect you with licensed professionals for virtual consultations.
During the consultation, discuss your mental health condition and how an ESA might help alleviate your symptoms.

Step 2: Obtain a legitimate ESA letter

If the professional determines you qualify, they will provide a signed letter.
The letter must include the professional's license number and contact information, and state that you have a diagnosed disability that can be helped by an ESA.
A letter from an online provider is just as valid as one from an in-person provider, as long as it's from a licensed professional.
Be aware that some states, like California and Iowa, require a pre-existing relationship with the professional (at least 30 days) before they can issue a letter.

Step 3: Present the letter for accommodations

Provide the ESA letter to your landlord to request a housing accommodation.
Your landlord may require additional forms to be filled out by the professional.
If you plan to travel by air, check the specific airline's policy as rules and requirements can vary and may include additional steps or fees.
Note that online registries or "certification" websites do not replace the need for a letter from a licensed mental health professional.