Found a lost dog or cat? What to do next

Keep yourself and the pet safe

• Approach slowly and speak softly. A scared pet may bite or run, even if it is friendly at home.
• If the pet is hurt, call a local vet or animal control for help.
• If you can, keep the pet somewhere secure, like a fenced yard or a quiet room, away from your own pets.
• Offer water. Hold off on large meals; a sudden change in food can upset a stray pet’s stomach.

Check for a tag

Look at the collar. If the tag has a PawsGuardian QR code, scan it with your phone camera. The owner is asked privately whether their pet is lost, and you do not need an account.

A tag with a phone number? Call or text it. No tag? Take a clear photo and use “I found a pet” in PawsGuardian: the photo is compared with registered pets nearby and with pets in Lost Mode.

Check for a microchip

Most vets and shelters can scan for a microchip for free. The chip links to the owner through the microchip company.

Report it nearby

• Tell your local animal shelter or animal control that you found a pet, even if you keep it for now. Owners search there first.
• Check the PawsGuardian Lost pets list for your ZIP code. If you see the pet, tap Contact the owner.
• When you share the pet online, show the photo and the general area, not your home address.

Make sure it is really the owner

Ask the person to describe something that is not in the photo, like a marking, a microchip number’s last digits, or a second photo of the pet at home. Meet in a public place for the handover.