A: This is actually one of the most common questions we get.

When someone finds a stray they frequently form an attachment and feel responsible for the cat or dog. While the shelter is often full with other unwanted animals the finders will understandably want to do the best thing for the animal they found. Often the finder tends to be reluctant to bring the animal to the shelter because of the fear the animal may be euthanized.

Let me clear up a misconception you may have, though. Our shelter is not the worst place for a stray to be. In fact, it is probably the best.

We will scan the animal for a microchip to see if he has an owner. Owners who have lost a pet will also have at least five business days to give them a chance to find their lost pet at the shelter.

The finder is also given the opportunity to track the status of the animal after he's brought in, and we will work with any finder who may want to adopt the animal.

Please consider that when an animal is brought here he/she will receive veterinary care, important vaccinations to prevent potentially deadly diseases, clean bedding, food and the attention of highly capable staff and volunteers who help to socialize and care for the animals at this critical stage.

Before making the stray adoptable we will also thoroughly assess the temperament of the animal to determine the right sort of home that he should be in, and to be sure the animal is safe around people and other animals. Any animal that is healthy and does not have issues with his temperament is going to be given every chance of being adopted.

Yes, many animals are euthanized for lack of space, but seeking to find homes yourself does not alter this and may make it worse. In fact, any animal that is adopted will be spayed and neutered, ensuring that no more unwanted litters will come from any of them. We also can screen potential adopters to make sure they have the best intentions for the animal.

Many people who find an animal will try to find a home for the animal by posting fliers or listing the animal on Craigslist. But individuals don't necessarily have the resources at hand to know if he or she is in fact putting the animal into a good home. Many animals that are given away to a "good home" end up being shuffled around from one house to another. They do not receive proper vet care and training so at some point end up at a shelter (or worse) later on anyway.

It is also the law in Durham that a stray be brought to the shelter. In a perfect world, strays would all find good homes. As it is far from perfect, it is important to consider the best options. And while we hope to see fewer strays, as I said, given the alternatives I do believe that the shelter is not the worst place for them, but the best.

You can be part of the solution to the pet overpopulation problem. This New Year resolve to spay/neuter your pets, adopt your next pet from the shelter, and care for your pets for their whole lifetime.