Next Steps
IN THIS LESSON
A race against time
While our local Humane Society has a 7-day stray hold, this is the exception—not the rule. In many areas, shelters only hold stray cats for 3–5 days before they become the shelter’s property. At that point, your cat could be:
Adopted out to another family
Transferred to another facility
Euthanized due to space constraints
☎️ Call your local shelter
Ask how long they hold stray cats.
Find out when stray intakes occur and plan to visit in person regularly.
🚓 Contact your local police department's non-emergency line if no Humane Society
Ask where stray cats are taken if no Humane Society is nearby.
Find out which agency handles animal control or stray pickup.
💾 Even with a microchip, mistakes happen:
Microchips can move or fail to scan
Staff may misplace your report
Intake employees may be too busy to check lost listings carefully
🌟 To stand out
Visit in person and check every stray hold cage.
Bring flyers with your cat’s photo and your contact info.
Drop off treats or snacks for staff with your flyer attached.
A box of donuts with your cat’s flyer taped to the lid? Hard to forget.
The goal: make sure every staff member knows your cat’s face.
📎 HamCo Info – For Hamilton County, Indiana Residents
We’re fortunate to have one of the best shelters in the state. Our Humane Society is:
Open admissions (accepts all cats and dogs found in the county)
No-kill
Staffed by incredibly kind but very busy professionals
Here’s what to do:
Visit the stray intake entrance (right-hand door as you face the building)
Bring a printed flyer to pin on the shelter’s missing pet bulletin board
Politely ask to check the current stray hold area
Return frequently—at least weekly, ideally twice a week.
