Found a Lost Pet?

If you spot a stray dog or cat:

• Don't rush in or chase them. They may be scared or defensive.
• Try to keep a visual on the pet without crowding or cornering them.
• Look for visible ID: a collar, a tag (some tags note that the pet is microchipped), unique markings or coat colour.
• Note the exact location and time, plus any nearby landmarks so you can describe it accurately.

If you cautiously decide to approach (only if safe):

• Speak in a quiet, gentle tone; avoid shouting or loud noises.
• Crouch or sit down side on, and avoid direct eye contact. Standing over a frightened animal can look threatening.
• Offer food or water if you have something safe, and move slowly.
• Avoid sudden movements. Let the pet come to you rather than corner or chase them.

If the pet is approachable and calm enough:

• Use a secure lead, makeshift leash (like a belt or cloth) or carrier/travel box if available.
• If it's a dog, try calling their name if you see a tag with a name.
• Put safety first, yours and theirs. An unfamiliar animal's temperament and health are unknown, so do not take risks.
• If the pet looks injured, take them straight to the nearest vet, including an emergency vet after hours. Vets treat injured strays.

Take a clear photo (or two) if you can safely. Include:

• Full body view, showing coat colour, tail, posture
• Any collar, tag, harness or distinguishing feature
• The immediate surroundings (street, fence, house, car, sign) to help locate the pet

Photos help with lost-pet posts, help shelter staff match descriptions, and help you track if the pet moves.

Reach out to local authorities:

• Call or visit the nearest animal shelters or vet clinics. Provide the photo, your contact details, and the time and location you saw the pet.
• Any vet can scan for a microchip. It is free, takes a minute, and if the pet is chipped the owner can be contacted straight away.
• Ring your local council as well. Many found pets are taken to the council pound, and owners are told to check there first.

Spread the word:

• Use PetfinderPro to create a “Found Pet” post and poster.
• Include the photo, date/time, the approximate area where you found the pet, and your contact number.
• Leave one distinctive detail out of the post, such as an unusual marking, a torn ear or the collar colour, so a genuine owner can prove the pet is theirs by describing it.
• Post it publicly on social media and in local lost & found pet groups (Facebook or community pages).
• Encourage people to share the post so it reaches as many eyes as possible.

If you are able and willing:

• Provide a calm, secure place, such as a closed room, garage or shed.
• Offer food and water, ideally indoors or safely contained.
• Keep them separated from your own pets, for everyone's health and safety.
• Avoid letting the pet roam freely outside. They may bolt when scared or when night falls.
• Keep a schedule of feeding plus photos, in case the owner asks for confirmation.

Important: even when the pet is safe at your place, notify your local council that you have them. In Australia a found pet must be reported, and quietly keeping one can legally count as theft. Reporting also means an owner who rings the pound looking for their pet will actually find them.

Protect yourself and the pet:

• Always ask for proof of ownership, such as photos of the pet at home, vet or microchip records, or the distinctive detail you left out of your post. A pet's name alone is not proof, since it is public on lost pet posts.
• Do not hand the pet over, or give out your home address, until you have verified.
• If someone asks for payment before giving you proof, treat it with suspicion and consider reporting them.

• Don't chase or corner a stray. Many pets bolt when threatened, and may end up more frightened or dangerous.
• Don't just feed a lost pet and leave. If you cannot safely contain them, report the sighting with the exact location and time so the owner or council can take over.
• Don't assume a stray pet belongs to someone nearby. Many animals travel a long way, or are moved by car, before they are found.
• Don't post on social media without a clear photo, an accurate location and a contact number. Vague posts rarely lead to a reunion.

If someone claims ownership:

• Ask for evidence: photos of the pet at home or unique identifying marks.
• If the pet is microchipped, ask them to provide chip details before releasing.
• Arrange a safe handover in a neutral public place, or bring a friend along if concerned.
• If unsure, contact your local shelter or council to help verify identity. A vet can also scan the chip and confirm it matches the claimed owner.