Lost and Found Pet Resources

What to do When You’ve Found a Stray Pet

If you find a stray dog or cat…

It’s important to remember that the animal may be someone’s lost family pet. Cats and dogs can become lost for many reasons—even well-loved pets may slip out unexpectedly. A stray animal may look dirty, thin, or frightened, even if they came from a caring home.

Assume the pet you found is loved. Your responsibility is to help them safely reunite with their family.

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Step 1 — Check for an ID tag or microchip.

If the animal has a collar with identification, contact the owner right away.

If there is no visible ID, the pet may still be microchipped.
Most veterinarians and animal shelters will scan for a microchip at no cost and can help contact the owner.

If the pet has no tag:
You can temporarily attach your own contact information (such as by using a luggage tag or taping a note to the collar).

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Step 2 — Notify local shelters and animal control.

Report the found pet to your city’s shelter or contracted animal control provider.
In some areas this is a municipal shelter; in others, vet clinics or humane societies serve this role.

You should also contact the non-emergency police line, especially in rural areas, to report the found animal.

✔️ Post the pet on Petco Love Lost (free)
✔️ Many cities also have their own “found pet” portals

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Step 3 — Make every effort to locate the owner.

Beyond contacting shelters and animal control agencies, share the pet on local online communities such as:

Nextdoor
Lost Dogs MN
Lost Cats MN
Neighborhood Facebook groups

These are often the first places owners check.

Step 4 — “Finders keepers”? Not true.

Finding a pet does not make you their legal owner.

The law considers pets property, and keeping a found pet without reporting it and completing the legal stray-hold period can have legal consequences.
Owners must be given a reasonable opportunity to reclaim their animal.

What to Do If Your Pet Is Missing

If your pet goes missing, act quickly. Notify neighbors immediately, share your contact information, and begin searching right away.

If your pet is microchipped:
Contact the microchip company to ensure your information is up to date and report your pet as missing so alerts can be issued.

Finding a Lost Pet — Step-by-Step Guide

Ask everyone nearby: neighbors, delivery drivers, passersby, mail carriers.
Create a flyer with a clear photo, description, and your phone number.
Post flyers in your neighborhood and on telephone poles near the area where your pet was last seen.
Place a lost-pet ad in local newspapers (many run these ads for free).
Visit shelters in person. Do not rely solely on phone calls—ask to see all animals.
Check shelters daily. Staff may be busy or unfamiliar with your pet’s description.
Notify local veterinarians in case someone brings your pet in.
If you suspect theft or injury, contact local police.
Monitor “found pet” postings in newspapers and online forums.
Join local online groups (Facebook, Nextdoor, Petco Love Lost) and upload a high-quality photo, description, and last known location.