Lost Pet Help
You Found a Pet. Here Is What to Do
Practical steps for anyone who has found a lost animal, with or without a tag.
Thank you for stopping. Most found pets live within a short distance of where they are picked up, so a little effort usually goes a long way.
Approach safely
- Move slowly and speak calmly. A lost animal is frightened, even a friendly one.
- Do not chase. Crouch, avoid direct eye contact, and let the animal come to you.
- If the animal seems injured or aggressive, call local animal control instead of handling them.
Check for identification
- 1Look for a collar and tag.
- 2If there is a HomeSafePet QR code, scan it with your phone camera or enter the profile ID on our site.
- 3Use the contact options shown on the pet's profile to reach the owner.
- 4If there is no tag, take the pet to a vet clinic or shelter, where staff can scan for a microchip at no cost to you.
No tag and no chip
Report the found pet to local shelters and animal control right away. Owners check those first. Sharing a photo in local lost pet groups also helps.
While the pet is with you
Offer water, keep the pet contained and away from traffic, and keep them separate from your own animals until they have been checked by a vet.