Lost or Found A Pet?

How to Find a Lost Pet

1. File a lost report
You should file a lost report with your local shelter and with shelters in the surrounding areas. To file a lost report in the District:
• Call 202-576-6664, 24 hours a day / 7 days a week
• Fill out the above form and email it to: lostandfound@washhumane.org
• Fax the above form to 202-529-6309
Please email a picture along with your report or bring one into the shelter.

MetroPets Listing of shelters and rescue groups

2. Visit the shelter in person
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. 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!

Microchips offer another level of protection for your pet. The Washington Humane Society can microchip your pet for $35. Please call or come into the shelter for more information.

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 are interested in the Washington Humane Society’s spay/neuter services click HERE.