Lost or Found A Pet?   How to Find a Lost Pet 1. File a lost report Give the shelters near where your pet was lost a detailed description of your pet. Include a physical desription of color, size, age, and any distinguishing markings. Bring a clear picture to the shelter to help staff identify your lost animal. List of D.C. area shelters 2. Visit the shelter in person Don't count on finding your pet by calling the shelter alone. You are more able to recognize your pet than someone working from a description. Personally check each shelter daily until your pet is found. 3. Act Fast The DC Animal Shelter is required to hold stray animals for only 5 days. Animals are kept as long as possible, but kennel space is often filled. Do not assume that your animal will be housed any longer. Check frequently. 4. Place flyers in the area the dog or cat was lost Try to get your neighbors involved in looking for the missing animal. Include a photo of the animal and daytime and evening phone numbers. 5. Newspapers Check the Washington Post every day. The Washington Humane Society and the DC Animal Shelter place ads listing found animals. You can also place an ad of your own looking for your missing pet. If You Have Found an Animal Bring the animal to the DC Animal Shelter, or to the animal shelter nearest to where you found the pet. Directions to the DC Animal Shelter. Help Your Pet Get Home Always keep a current identification tag on your pet. If your dog or cat wears a tag that has his or her name, your name, full address, and phone number, your lost pet will stand a better chance of getting home. Your pet's I.D. tag is the best ticket home! Remember to update your pet's tag when you move. And be sure to keep a current photo of your pet in case he or she ever becomes lost. It's important to also always keep a current rabies and license tag on your pet, in accordance with local laws. Prevent Your Pet from Straying Dogs and cats who are spayed or neutered roam less. If you would like to have your pet spayed or neutered, contact the WHS low-cost spay/neuter clinic. Spay/Neuter Clinic