What To Do When You Find A Lost Pet

Please note under PA State Law, animals are still considered property. If you find an animal, you should release it to the nearest animal shelter or animal control facility. These facilities can scan the pet for a microchip and if a microchip is found reunite the pet with their family.

If you do not release the animal to a shelter or animal control facility, you are fully responsible for searching and finding the pet's family.

1. Be careful. The animal could be very scared and attempt to bite if it feels threatened. If you think you are in the presence of a lost pet, you can try to get it to come to you, but do not chase it. If the animal will not come to you, contact your local animal control agency and make a report.
2. Look for identification. If you are able to get the animal to go with you, check for tags- preferably with the owner's information. If the pet's name and owner information tag is missing, look for a license or microchip tag- these numbers can be used to track down an owner.
3. Make a report by calling your local animal shelters to report the animal that you have found. Be sure to make a note of what time, date, and exact location where the animal was found. If possible, take a picture that you can use to make a "Found" poster, or at least pass on to these organizations.