What to Do When You Find a Lost Pet

Finding a lost pet can be stressful—for you and for the pet.

Below is a step-by-step guide you can follow if you find a loose dog in your neighborhood.

Step-by-Step: What to Do When You Find a Lost Pet

1. If no visible ID can be seen on a collar or harness, knock on doors and walk the neighborhood

Most lost dogs are found within 1,000 feet of their home. Many dogs travel less than a mile when loose.

Walk the dog around the area where you found them and knock on nearby doors. Ask neighbors if they recognize the dog—often the owner is just a street or two away.

For cats, they may already be trying to find their way back home so refrain from bringing them inside unless the seem sick or injured. Check for collars or tags.

2. Take clear photos (and don’t change their appearance)

Snap several photos of the dog in good lighting. Include:

• The dog’s full body and face

• Any unique markings and be sure to leave collars and harnesses on

• Nearby cross streets or recognizable landmarks

3. Reach out to and file a found pet report with the county animal control agency (Hawaiian Humane Society)

This is one of the first places owners look when searching for a missing pet.

If the dog is injured or aggressive, animal control may need to respond. Don't put yourself at risk. If the dog is sick or injured and you can safely transport them, take them directly to a nearby vet or the county shelter.

File a report with Honolulu County Animal Services at https://www.hawaiianhumane.org/lost-and-found/

4. Check for a microchip (call ahead)

Take the dog to a nearby veterinary clinic, shelter (like Oahu SPCA) or pet supply store to have them scanned for a microchip. Most clinics will do this at no cost.

If a chip is found, the clinic can help contact the registered owner or guide you through next steps.

5. Post on Lost & Found pet pages

Social media is incredibly effective for reuniting pets and owners.

Post on:

• Paw Posse Ohana (Facebook Group), popular page for reuniting lost and found pets, here on Oahu

• Petco Love Lost – Upload a photo or search lost pets, this website goes off of pet facial recognition to help reunite lost pets

• Neighborhood Nextdoor

• Visit other lost pet websites like https://www.pawboost.com/ or https://www.lostmydoggie.com/

Visit https://oahuspca.org/Strays-or-Surrender for more information and resources on lost or found pets or surrendering an animal.