Lost Pets
Losing a pet is scary - both for you and your pet, but don’t lose hope. Most dogs are found within a mile of their home, and displaced, stressed indoor cats often hide in silence for an average of 10 days to two weeks. Our goal is to help reunite lost pets with their owners quickly, and to provide education on keeping pets safe and identifiable.
Call or email us as soon as you know your pet is missing. Include the following information:
breed
color
sex
distinct markings
approximate age
collar color
the location/day/time the animal went missing.
Be sure to include your name and contact information, as well as recent photos of your pet.
Scan recent posts in these groups for “found” pets that may match your pet. Review the information and best practices on the other resource websites provided on this page to help bring your lost pet home faster. Be sure to share the post with DHS so that we can spread the word.
Create a Lost Pet Flyer and post in the area where the animal went missing and distribute it to doorsteps of homes.
What should I do to find my lost pet?
DOGS
1. Search yard, house, and call by name and expression the dog likes, such as “Treat” or “Go for a ride”. If you have another dog, take it with you while searching.
2. Leave the dog's bedding or clothing with your scent (t-shirts, pajamas, and pillowcases) by the location dog was last seen.
3. Leave food, water, and crate outside
4. If practical, leave doors open to the house.
5. Recruit neighbors and friends to search. Remind people not to chase the dog. Bring a leash, treats, and a current photo of the dog to show people.
6. Don’t give up!
CATS
1. In survival mode, cats are less concerned with food and more concerned with staying undetected. Most indoor cats will remain frozen, in silence for several days. In most cases, 10-14 days, and skittish cats may be longer.
2. Do a thorough search within your home and yard. Cats are hiding ninjas. “Think like a cat” – the perspective of the world from 10” tall. Include a request for neighbors to check around their homes/garages.
3. If practical, leave doors and windows open to the house.
4. Make large bright posters with a photo of the cat as the largest element of the poster. Put one in your yard and every intersection within a 500’ radius of the last place the cat was seen. Distribute to every door within the neighborhood.
5. Search in the daytime. Lure at night.
6. Don’t give up!
For the ultimate guide to finding a lost cat, consider the “Lost Cat Kit”
Reclaim Your Pet
Once we have identified your cat or dog is at our facility, you can plan to pick up your pet during our open hours.
When you come for pick-up, you need to provide a form of documentation to prove the pet is yours. This can be in the form of a veterinary bill, dog license, or photo of your pet, preferably with you. You will also need to provide proof of current rabies vaccination.
FEES
Fees include reimbursement to animal control, shelter/food costs as well as vaccinations required for any pet in our facility.
Reclaim fee - $30.00. Repeated incidents increase the reclaim fees.
Boarding (per day) after initial 24 hours - $10.00
Capstar/ Revolt - $5.00
Distemper - $10.00
Bordetella - $10.00