I found a pet

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: