Lost and found pet resources

Pit bull mix dog wearing collar

If your pet has recently gone missing, or you've found an animal that may belong to someone, it's critical that you alert your neighbors as quickly as possible and take proper steps that may lead to a happy reunion.

Below, you'll find helpful tips on actions to take if you've lost a pet, or advice on what you can do if you've found an animal in your community.

Helpful tips for finding your lost pet

Quick action and personal involvement in the recovery process are key components of recovering your lost pet. These steps can help you locate a lost pet as quickly as possible.

If your pet has a microchip, make sure it's updated with your current contact information. Not sure how? Read more about microchip registry and database information.

Tell the community about your lost pet

Follow up

When your pet is found, remember to take down any notices you've posted online and around your neighborhood.

What to do if you've taken a lost pet or stray animal into your care

Here's how you can help them find their way home.

Check for identification

  • If there's an ID tag, contact the owner immediately.
  • If there is no ID tag, consider taking the animal to a local veterinary office or a retail pet store (like Petco or Pet Smart) to be scanned for a microchip.

Tell your community about the pet you've found

Schedule a surrender appointment at AHS

If you're unable to match the stray animal to any lost pet report, you may bring it to any one of our locations. First, call our Pet Helpline at 952-HELP-PET (952-435-7738) to schedule an admissions appointment.

Due to capacity, we may not be able to admit the animal right away (with exception to medical or behavioral emergencies). In the event we’re unable to immediately accept the animal, a staff member can still scan the animal for a microchip and refer you to your local animal control facility. Alternatively, we may be able to provide you with some supplies (like pet food, litter, cage, etc.) to support you until your admissions appointment date.

When the stray animal is admitted, we’ll scan them for a microchip and perform an initial evaluation for placement. Stray animals are held for the state-mandated five days to provide owners time to locate lost pets. If an owner doesn't come forward and the animal is a candidate for placement, the animal will become available for adoption or placed in adoption preparation programs.

Feral cats that would not be appropriate or happy in a home environment may be placed in our Community Cats program.

Other options

You may also consider taking the animal to your local animal control facility. If animal control has closed for the day, please call their after-hours line or your local, non-emergency police number.

Take action now to prevent your pet from being lost forever

There are several steps you can take to keep your pets safe and reduce the likelihood that they’ll become lost or stolen.

  1. Your pet should wear a collar and ID tags at all times. Include an up-to-date phone number where you can be reached. ID tags are available at each AHS facility.
  2. Have your pet microchipped. Microchips are an implanted form of identification equipped to access your contact information when scanned at a veterinary clinic or shelter.
  3. Spay/neuter your pet. Studies have shown that sterilized animals are less likely to roam.
  4. Keep them safe when you’re out and about. Animals love the outdoors but it is our responsibility to protect them. Always leash your animals when outside. Keep them close to home and away from traffic, unfamiliar animals and those who may not concern themselves with your pet’s best interests. 
  5. Leave them comfortable at home. Never leave your dog leashed outside a store or unattended in the car, even if it’s locked or the windows are rolled down.

Call our Pet Helpline

Our free Pet Helpline can be a helpful resource for lost and found pets. You can reach a representative Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., or Saturday10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Call the Pet Helpline at 952-HELP-PET (952-435-7738) or send us a message now.

For caring, compassionate advice and resources to address all your animal concerns.

Contact the Pet Helpline