
If you can safely contain the animal, follow steps 1 through 4 below. If you cannot safely contain the animal, proceed to steps 3 & 4.
Please report where it was last seen and what direction it was heading.
Step 1: After securing the animal, check for an ID tag, or a microchip
Bringing a new animal into your home can pose risks to you and your household. For precautionary measures, keep all pets seperate and wash your hands frequently when handling the found animal.
If there is no tag, the animal might still have a microchip. Take the animal to a local veterinarian or animal shelter to be scanned for a chip. Contact the owner if the information is found.
Step 2: If there is no ID or microchip begin searching lost pet posts
Search lost pet posts on the following sites: Petco Love Lost, IowaPetAlert.com, NextDoor.com.
Step 3: Post a notice online or make fliers
If possible, take a photo of the pet and post fliers around the area where the pet was found. Find great tips to capture a successful picture here! Be sure to also distribute the fliers to local veterinary clinics.
You should also make posts online on Petco Love Lost, IowaPetAlert.com, NextDoor.com, PawBoost and on social media sites. If you have a Facebook account, search to see if your community has a Lost and Found group to post in.
Step 4: Call your local lost pet facility for next steps
Most lost pets have been found near their home and it is very likely the pet you found lives nearby. If you must bring the pet in immediately, contact your local lost pet facility. If the pet was found in:
City of Des Moines
ARL Animal Services
1615 S.E. 14th Street, Des Moines
Hours: Mon-Sat, 9 a.m - 5 p.m.
24-Hour Dispatch: (515) 283-4811
Office: (515) 284-6905
Text: (515) 686-8274
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Altoona, Ankeny, Pleasant Hill or unincorporated Polk County
ARL Main - Pet Help Center
5452 N.E. 22nd Street, Des Moines
(located on north side of building)
Hours: Mon-Fri, 9:30 a.m - 7 p.m. Sat-Sun, 9:30 a.m - 6 p.m.
Phone: (515) 262-9503
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Everywhere Else
Please call your local non-emergency police line or the city's animal services organization.
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