What to Do If You Find a Stray

Contact Animal Control for your county as well as report the animal to the county shelter where it was found.

If the animal is friendly and has ID tags or a microchip, contact the owner to arrange a safe return.
If you can’t safely approach or contain the animal, call Animal Control with detailed information about the animal’s location and behavior.

Take it to your county’s animal shelter. Staff will document the find and check lost reports.
If the shelter is closed, bring the animal to a safe location and contact the shelter immediately to file a found report. This can usually be done by phone or online via the shelter’s website.
Provide temporary care: Ensure the animal has a safe, quiet space, fresh water, and appropriate food. Stressed animals may not eat right away, so don’t force them.
Have the animal scanned for a microchip at a vet or shelter.

Post flyers in the area where the pet was found, as well as at vet offices, pet stores, and community boards.
Share the found pet’s information on social media and ask friends to share the post.
Check lost pet ads in local newspapers and consider running a found pet ad.
Follow up with the shelter regularly and update your posts once the pet is reunited with its family.

Current Reported Missing Animals