The City of Benton Animal Services Department is reminding residents what to do — and what not to do — when encountering a stray animal in their neighborhood. The department has released a public guide aimed at helping reunite lost pets with their owners while ensuring safety for both the animals and the community. Read more below and see the flyer.

Residents who find a stray are encouraged to take several key steps: contact Benton Animal Services at 501-776-5972, report the sighting to the Arkansas Lost and Found Pet Network online, post about the animal on social media, and check with nearby neighbors who may recognize the pet.

However, Animal Services cautions against taking the animal into one’s home or yard, feeding it, or attempting to capture it. Officials say doing so can make it more difficult for pets to find their way back and may present safety risks.

“Most animals are found within a quarter-mile of where they went missing, and the first 48 hours are critical,” the department noted in the guidance. Promptly reporting the sighting improves the chance of a safe and timely reunion.

For more information or questions, residents are urged to contact Benton Animal Services at 501-776-5972.