What to Do If You Find a Lost Pet
Finding a lost pet can be a challenging experience, but your actions could save their life and lead to a happy family reunion. With over 15,000 pets lost per year, in Harris County alone, the best (and sometimes only) option may be to take matters into your own hands. If you find yourself in this position, you might feel concerned for the pet's well-being and anxious to help it find its way back home. It’s essential to approach the situation with care and responsibility. Here are a few tips on what to do if you find a lost pet:
1. Safety First
- Approach with caution: Not all animals react the same way when they are lost and scared. Approach the pet slowly and calmly to avoid scaring it further or risking injury to yourself.
- Check for identification: If it’s safe to do so, check if the pet has a collar with identification tags. These might provide the owner’s contact information.
2. Secure the Pet
- Use a leash or carrier: If you have a leash or carrier handy, use it to secure the pet. This is especially important if you’re in an area with traffic or other hazards.
- Keep the pet isolated from your own animals: Until you can assess the health and behavior of the found pet, it's wise to keep it separated from your own pets to prevent any potential transmission of diseases.
3. Check for a Microchip
- Visit a veterinarian or animal shelter: They can scan the pet for a microchip, which can immediately identify the owner’s contact information. This step is crucial and can often lead to a quick reunion.
4. Search for the Owner
- Walk around the neighborhood: Sometimes, the owner might be nearby searching for their lost pet. Walking around the area where you found the pet might lead to a direct reunion.
- Create and distribute flyers: Post flyers in the area where you found the pet, in local veterinary offices, pet stores, and community centers. Ensure your contact information is clear and legible.
- Use social media and online platforms: Platforms like Facebook, Nextdoor, and specific lost and found pet websites can be instrumental in spreading the word. Include a description of the pet, where it was found, and how to contact you, but avoid posting any identifying information about the pet to ensure it's returned to its rightful owner. This is a partial list of organizations from Harris County Pets that allow the posting of lost or found pets. This list is not all inclusive. Please use caution when posting personal information:
24Petconnect.com
PetHarbor.com
Petco Lost - lost.petcolove.org
PawBoost.com
PetFBI.org
PetKey.org
PetFinder.com
FidoFinder.com
LostMyDoggie.com
HelpingLostPets.com
PetLink.net
LostMyKitty.com
5. Safety and Care
- Provide basic needs: While the pet is in your care, ensure it has access to water, food, and a safe place to rest.
- Monitor health: If the pet seems injured or ill, take it to a veterinarian for a check-up. You might not be responsible for medical costs; discuss this with the vet or local animal services.
Finding a lost pet's home can sometimes take time. Always prioritize safety, for both yourself and the pet, stay patient and use all available resources to locate the owner. Your efforts can make a significant difference in the life of the lost pet and their worried owners.
