Information on Lost + Found
Lost a Pet
Since only you can identify your pet, you must personally visit the animal shelter and are encouraged to do so each day. Unidentified animals are held for only five days, and animals that are injured or diseased may be held for a shorter period.
Animals that are not claimed within the five-day holding period may be made available for adoption.
Download a sample Lost Pet Poster (English | Spanish)
Found a Pet
Did you find a lost dog?
If you have found a lost dog that is not wearing identification, please bring the dog to animal control. We can scan for a microchip, which may provide information about the owner including a phone number and address. In addition, we will place the dog on public view so the owner can find their dog when they are looking at the shelter.
Did you find a lost cat?
If you have found a cat that appears to be lost, please bring it to our shelter. We can check for a microchip and put the cat on public display so the owner can find their cat when they are looking at the shelter.
What else can you do to help?
If you have found a lost pet and have brought it to our shelter for public display and would like to do something more to help, consider the following:
- Post "Found" posters in the area where you found the pet.
- Look through Craig's list and pet finder Lost and Found; take note of any descriptions that match that of the pet you found.
- Look in your neighborhood for any "Lost" posters that have a description matching that of the pet you have found.
- Look in the classified section of the newspaper under "Lost and Found." An owner may have placed an inquiry there. Check with your local newspaper about placing a "Lost and Found" ad in the classifieds; many papers provide this service free of charge. If there are any popular "Dog Parks" or leash-free areas nearby, place a "Found" poster there.
How to Claim a Pet
• Once you have located your pet at the animal shelter, please remember the tag number we placed on its neck as well as the cage/kennel number. Take that information to the front counter.
• The Animal Services Representative should be able to provide you with information as to how the animal was impounded, the general area found, and the necessary steps to reclaim your pet.
• Proof of a current rabies vaccination and dog license is required for all dogs impounded.
• Sometimes the animal may have received injuries while it was lost. We provide life sustaining and pain relieving care for the pet, but you may need to obtain follow-up veterinary care.
• There will be a variety of fees associated with reclaiming your pet. These fees include impoundment, daily board, vaccination, medical, licensing, etc. All fees will be itemized and explained to you.
• Once all fees are paid and the appropriate paperwork is signed, an Animal Control technician will assist you in retrieving your pet. If the animal required medical treatment, the Animal technician may also provide additional information.
• A leash (for dogs) or a secure carrier (for other small pets) is required when claiming your pet. If you do not have one, inexpensive leashes and carriers are available for a nominal charge.