Lost Pet? Found a Dog? Found a Cat? Here’s What to Do!

Lost pet? Found a dog or cat? Don’t panic! Discover expert tips and steps to take when dealing with lost or found pets. Learn how to reunite furry friends with their families today!

I Found a Dog What Do I Do?

  1. I found a lost dog, who do I call? Check for a collar or tags: if there is a phone number on the collar itself or a tag, try calling and texting the number.
  2. Check for a microchip: have the animal scanned at a local veterinary clinic, shelter or pet supply store for a microchip.
  3. Social Media: Post a “FOUND DOG” clear picture and location where the animals were found on your social media page and local social media pages.
  4. Consider keeping the lost dog in your home until the owner is found. 
  5. If you turn into LA County/ City Shelter they will place a 5 day stray hold and then release available for adoption. Please consider this wisely as LA shelters have very high euthanasia rates and will likely not get adopted in time. LA County 562-940-6898
  6. If you qualify within the Pasadena Humane area they do not euthanize and can take in the dog, please call 626.792.7151. Pasadena Humane accepts animals from the cities of Altadena, Arcadia, Bradbury, Glendale, La Cañada, La Crescenta-Montrose, Monrovia, Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre, and South Pasadena. 

I Found a Cat What Do I Do?

  1. The vast majority of “stray” cats aren’t actually lost – they simply live indoors and outdoors – and will make their way home on their own.
  2. If you feel the cat is truly lost, check for a microchip: have the animal scanned at a local veterinary clinic, shelter or pet supply store for a microchip.
  3. Social Media: How to find a lost cat? Post a “FOUND CAT” clear picture and location where the animals were found on your social media page and local social media pages.
  1. Consider keeping the lost cat in your home until the owner is found.
  2. If you turn into LA County/ City Shelter they will place a 5 day stray hold and then release available for adoption. Please consider this wisely as LA shelters have very high euthanasia rates and will likely not get adopted in time. LA County 562-940-6898
  3. If you qualify within the Pasadena Humane area they do not euthanize and can take in the dog, please call 626.792.7151. Pasadena Humane accepts animals from the cities of Altadena, Arcadia, Bradbury, Glendale, La Cañada, La Crescenta-Montrose, Monrovia, Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre, and South Pasadena. 

I Found a Kitten What Do I Do?

  1. Monitor the situation. Before you act, watch the kittens from a distance. The mother cat is probably nearby. If she doesn’t return within 4-6 hours, they may need assistance.
  2. DON’T move the kittens. Unless they’re in danger, it’s best to leave unweaned kittens outside so the mother cat can care for them. If you must do something, you can place the kittens in a crate, but do not change their location. Do not assume that a kittens are abandoned or orphaned just because you do not see their mother. A mother cat will temporarily leave her kittens for good reasons, like looking for food. She may even be hiding and waiting for YOU to leave.
  3. What if the Kittens Are in Danger? If a kitten is sick or injured, contact your local veterinarian right away. There may be rare circumstances in which the kittens’ current environment places them in immediate danger. This is not a common scenario, so use common sense. For example, kittens may need to be removed if they are in an area that is about to be flooded or is close to a fire. If possible, move the kittens to another outdoor spot as close to their original nest as is safe so their mother can find them. If you believe mother and kittens are in more long-term danger, such as extreme weather or disaster conditions…
  4. Handle kittens cautiously. Baby kittens have a developing immune system and you may inadvertently give them disease. Older kittens may not be friendly and may scratch or bite you if startled or scared.
  5. Foster the kittens. If you determine the kittens are orphaned and you decide to care for them: Kitten Resources: https://www.kittenlady.org/kitten-care Kitten Supplies: https://www.kittenlady.org/supplies Get in touch with your local shelter/ rescue, they may be able to sponsor if you can foster.
  6. Keep orphaned kittens separated from your pets. This is to prevent fights and minimize the transmission of disease and parasites. Be sure your pets are up to date on vaccines.
  7. Unable to care for the kittens yourself? Do NOT take the kittens to an animal shelter. See if a friend or family member can care for them, or contact local rescues, animal protection groups, or advocates. You may be able to find such advocates near you through Alley Cat Allies’ Feral Friends Network®. Find a member in your area at alleycat.org/FindFeralFriends.
  8. DON’T let the circle continue! Spay or neuter after 8 weeks!

How to Find a Lost Pet?

  1. Check your local shelters: LA Animal Services, LA County Animal Care & Control,  San Gabriel Valley Humane Society, Pasadena Humane
  2. Check your community: Facebook, Nextdoor, Pawboost, Petco Love Lost, Craigslist
  3. Post to your community: Facebook, Nextdoor, Pawboost, Petco Love Lost, Craigslist, local flyers.

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