When a pet goes missing, acting fast is key. Here are some ways to spread the word. If you’ve found a pet who may be looking for his owners, we’ve got tips for you, too.
People who have either lost a pet or found a stray pet should:
Contact your local animal control officer and the animal control offices in the surrounding towns.
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Per state law, found dogs must be reported to animal control. Found cats and other small domestic animals should also be reported. Some animal control officers also have microchip scanners, so they may be able to assist you in performing a microchip scan of the found pet in case there is a microchip that is registered to an owner.
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If you’ve lost a pet, let your ACO know it is missing, just in case it is brought or reported to animal control. And continue to check with the ACO for several weeks. Animal control officers often cover huge cities on their own, so you should check in regularly about any lost or found pet reports.
Contact local veterinarians and groomers.
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Let them know that you’ve found a pet, in case they receive a call from its owner, or let them know if you’ve lost your pet, in case it’s brought or reported to them.
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Most veterinary hospitals also have microchip scanners, so they may be able to assist you in performing a microchip scan of a found pet in case there is a microchip that is registered to an owner.
Utilize local newspapers, websites and social media.
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If you’ve found a pet, post its information on these platforms and check through existing posts/listings to see if a family has listed the pet as lost. Some helpful sites include connecticutcatslostandfound.org or “Lost and Found Dogs of Connecticut” on Facebook, under the “lost” section.
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If your pet is lost, use these platforms to spread the word. Make sure to search through existing posts in case someone has posted your pet as found.
Contact CHS.
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If you’ve found a cat or other small domestic pet and animal control is not able to assist, see if the Connecticut Humane Society can accept the pet.
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All CHS locations have microchip scanners and can perform a microchip scan on a found pet in case there is a microchip that is registered to an owner.
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If you’ve lost a cat or other small animal, check the CHS listings to see if someone has brought it to CHS. See the listing below for stray pets that are currently at CHS. If you see your pet there, please contact CHS at 800-452-0114 or e-mail info@cthumane.org.
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Visit the adoptable pets section to see if you find your pet listed there. If so, please contact CHS at 800-452-0114 or e-mail info@cthumane.org.
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If you don’t see your pet listed on either the adoption pages or in the found listings below, download one of the following flyers loaded with handy search tips. Have you lost a cat? Have you lost a dog?
Found Pets
Lost Pets
Lost/Found Pets FAQs
What should I do if my pet goes missing?
If your pet goes missing, act quickly. The sooner a lost pet is reported, the greater the chance of a successful reunion. Contact your local animal control officer (ACO), notify nearby animal control offices, contact local veterinarians and groomers, search online lost-and-found pet resources, and regularly check local shelters and animal welfare organizations.
What are the most important steps to take when searching for a lost pet?
The most effective actions include:
- Contacting animal control
- Checking shelters regularly
- Alerting veterinarians and groomers
- Posting on lost-and-found pet platforms
- Hang fliers in your neighborhood
- Searching your neighborhood
- Checking for microchip assistance
- Following up consistently over time
How often should I check with animal control about a lost pet?
You should continue checking with animal control for several weeks after your pet goes missing. Animal control officers may receive new reports or newly found animals after your initial contact.
How can social media help locate a lost pet?
Social media can quickly spread information to local community members. Posting clear photos and details about a lost or found pet increases visibility and improves the chances of a reunion.
What information should I include in a lost pet post?
Include:
- Recent photographs
- Pet name
- Species and breed
- Color and markings
- Date and location last seen
- Contact information
- Any identifying features or medical needs
What should I do if I think my lost pet may be at a shelter?
Regularly review shelter and animal welfare organization listings for found and adoptable animals. Contact the organization immediately if you believe you have identified your pet.
How long should I continue searching for a lost pet?
Continue searching for several weeks and maintain regular contact with animal control agencies, shelters, veterinarians, and community networks. Some pets are reunited with their owners after extended periods.
What should I do if I find a stray pet?
If you find a stray pet, report it to your local animal control officer and nearby animal control departments. You should also check for identification tags, have the pet scanned for a microchip, and post information through local lost-and-found pet networks.
Does the Connecticut Humane Society trap cats?
No. CHS does not trap cats or pick up trapped cats.
Do I need to report a found dog to animal control?
Yes. Under Connecticut law, found dogs must be reported to animal control. Reporting helps increase the likelihood of reuniting the dog with its owner.
Should found cats and other pets be reported to animal control?
Yes. Found cats and other domestic animals should also be reported to animal control whenever possible to help locate their owners.
Can the Connecticut Humane Society help with found pets?
Yes. If animal control cannot assist with a found cat or other small domestic animal, the Connecticut Humane Society may be able to provide guidance or determine whether it can accept the animal. All Connecticut Humane Society locations have microchip scanners and can check found pets for registered microchips.
Should I contact veterinarians if I lose or find a pet?
Yes. Local veterinary hospitals often receive calls about lost pets and may encounter found animals brought in by community members. Most veterinary hospitals have microchip scanners and can check whether a found pet has a registered microchip that may help identify the owner.
Should I contact pet groomers about a lost or found pet?
Yes. Groomers are often connected to local pet owners and may receive information that could help reunite a lost pet with its family.
What online resources can help with lost and found pets?
Helpful resources may include:
- Local lost-and-found pet websites
- Community social media groups
- Animal shelter listings
- Animal control reports
- Neighborhood forums and community pages
What information should I include in a found pet post?
Include:
- General description of the pet
- Date and location where the pet was found
- Contact information
- A photograph, if appropriate
Avoid sharing every identifying detail so ownership can be verified.
What is a microchip and how can it help reunite lost pets?
A microchip is a permanent identification device implanted beneath a pet’s skin. When scanned, it can provide contact information that helps shelters, veterinarians, and animal control officers locate the pet’s owner.
