Alexandria and Arlington animal watch

Alexandria

These cases were handled by the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, which operates the city animal shelter and provides animal control services to the city. The shelter is open from 1 to 8 p.m. weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. weekends. For information or to report emergencies involving animals 24 hours a day, call 703-746-4774. The league's Web site is http://www.alexandriaanimals.org.

May I see some ID, please?

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria urges pet owners to have their pets wear collars with identification tags at all times. Owners should give pet sitters a letter authorizing them to request emergency veterinary care or reclaim an injured or lost pet. Owners also should tell their veterinary clinic about pet-sitting plans. Many pet sitters require owners to complete a veterinarian release form in case of emergency. Such information can assist animal agencies in caring for pets and reuniting lost animals with their caregivers.

Dog strays from caregiver

CLOUDS MILL DR. AND LA VISTA WAY, July 23. A pedestrian took a Boston terrier that was seen wandering on a sidewalk to a veterinarian. Clinic staff members determined the dog was healthy and asked the league to pick it up as a stray. The dog had a collar but no identification. League staff members located the dog's owners, who were to be out of town for a month. They said the dog had escaped from its pet sitter and they would pick it up within the week.

Arlington County

This case was handled by the Animal Welfare League of Arlington County, which operates the county animal shelter and provides animal control services to the county. The shelter is open from noon to 7 p.m. weekdays except Tuesdays and noon to 4 p.m. weekends. For information or to report emergencies involving animals 24 hours a day, call 703-931-9241. The league's Web site is http://www.awla.org.

Fallen baby sparrow

S. ARLINGTON MILL DR., 2600 block, July 20. A woman found a baby sparrow at the base of a tree near her home and took it to the league because she couldn't reach the bird's nest to return it. The bird was taken to a wildlife rehabilitator, who was to care for it until it is old enough to be on its own.

-- Compiled by Ria Manglapus