Lost Pet Found Pet

Found Pets: What To Do

Couple relaxing outdoors with their dog

Thank you for helping a lost pet! The steps you take in the first few hours can make all the difference in reuniting that pet with their family. Here is what we recommend.

Important: Keep found pets separated from your own pets

Until the found pet has been examined by a veterinarian and cleared of any illness or parasites, keep them away from your resident pets. This protects both the found pet and your own animals.

  1. Check for ID tags immediately Look at the pet's collar for any tags with a name, phone number, or address. If you can safely read them, call the owner right away.

  2. Have the pet scanned for a microchip Take the pet to any veterinarian, animal shelter, or rescue group — they will scan for a microchip at no charge. A microchip can identify the owner within minutes.

  3. Contact local animal shelters and rescue groups Report the found pet to all shelters and rescue groups in your area. The owner may have already filed a lost pet report. Check back regularly, as new reports come in daily.

  4. Post on our Facebook page immediately Lost Pet Found Pet Facebook page right away. Thousands of people follow our page and can help identify and locate the owner quickly.

  5. Post on NextDoor and local social media groups Post on NextDoor, which is like a neighborhood Facebook. Also search for any local lost and found pet groups or city fan pages and post there as well.

  1. Contact your local police department Many pet owners call the police when their pet goes missing. Officers on patrol may also recognize the pet. Leave a description and your contact information.

  2. Post flyers in the neighborhood Put up flyers with a clear photo of the found pet in the area where you found them. Leave flyers at veterinarian offices, shelters, groomers, and rescue groups nearby.

  3. Keep the found pet safe and separated If you bring the pet indoors, keep them separated from your own pets to avoid stress, injury, or the spread of illness. Provide food, water, and a quiet space while you search for the owner.

  5. Do not give up! Owners are often searching desperately for their pet. Keep the found pet's post active on social media and check back with shelters regularly. Most pets are reunited with their families.