Lost & Found Pets

Found Animals Find Your Lost Pet Microchip Scanner Locations Wildlife

Found Animals

Most pets are lost within a few miles of their homes. We ask that finders do the following:

• Explore the area where the pet was found. The owner may be out looking for their pet.
• Stray finders should have the pet scanned for a microchip at either a veterinary clinic or Microchip scanning locations (no appointment is necessary).
• Stray finders must report the found pet to Animal Welfare by calling 311.
• Stray finders can ask neighbors and post flyers where the pet was found.
• Stray finders should visit Petco Love Lost, Pawboost, and 24PetConnect to post information about the pet they have found.
• Finders are also encouraged to post information on other social media outlets such as Facebook. NextDoor, CraigsList etc.
• For feral cat information, please contact Street Cat Hub for assistance at 505-247-9357.
• If Finders have tried all options you may bring the pet to either the Westside or Eastside Shelter during Admission Hours
Though appointments for stray pets are not required, we strongly urge you to schedule an appointment first - as this gives us time to make space available for the pet and reduces wait time to speak with an admissions counselor.

Schedule an Eastside Stray Appointment Schedule a Westside Stray Appointment

Stray Animal Hold Times for Animals Over 12 Weeks of Age

Stray animals that are turned into AWD are held for owners to reclaim according to the following schedule:

Stray animals without any identification (microchip or tags) are held for 3 days and then are available for adoption on the 4th day.

Stray animals that do have identification are held for 6 days and then are available for adoption on the 7th day.

Stray animals under 12 weeks of age may be held shorter or longer periods depending on age and condition.

As a reminder, the City’s Ordinance requires sterilization of pets.

What to Do if You’ve Lost Your Pet

Download a flyer with information about how to find your lost pet.

• Act fast! Don’t waste days hoping your pet will come home.
• Remember that pets with ID tags and microchips are much more likely to find their way back home.
• Check to make sure your dog's microchip information is up to date so the person that finds your pet can reach you quickly if they're brought to a shelter or veterinarian's office and scanned.
• Search your neighborhood or the area where your pet was lost and let people know you have a missing pet.
• Call your pet’s name and check any places where they could have become trapped, such as in basements or garages or under vehicles. A lost pet often will hide during the day, so be sure to go out again at night with a flashlight and call for them. Sometimes a can of food can lure a hungry and scared pet to you.
• Check with your local shelters’ website every day. Visit the shelters to search for your pet. Animals are difficult to describe over the phone, and only you really know what your pet looks like.
• Check with local neighborhood groups and post on social media through lost pet pages or groups, and ask others to share and spread the word.
• Put large, brightly colored posters in well-trafficked areas near your home (post offices, libraries, pet supply stores, veterinary offices and grocery stores) using simple, easy-to-read phrasing like "Lost dog. Please help." Include your phone number and a picture of your missing best friend.
• Inform your veterinarian and groomer that your pet is lost in case they receive a call.
• Place ads in local newspapers or newsletters and offer a reward in case someone found your untagged pet.
• Watch the found ads. Respond to any that might be close to your pet’s description. A week of wandering the streets can make white pets look drab gray, and the ad’s description might not exactly fit.
• Call local radio stations. Some radio stations will broadcast lost pet information for free. Give them very detailed information on where your pet was lost, their description and how to contact you.

• Visit the websites of national locator services such as Petco Love Lost, Pawboost, and 24PetConnect. 24 Pet connect will help you create a free lost pet flier.