What to do when you find a lost pet
Approach with caution
Check for a tag or micro-chip
Check for a tag or micro-chip
If the stray animal is aggressive towards you, do not attempt to approach or handle them. Contact your local animal control or emergency services for assistance in safely handling the situation.
Check for a tag or micro-chip
Check for a tag or micro-chip
Check for a tag or micro-chip
If the animal is wearing a collar, check for an identification tag. Most veterinarians, animal control officers and shelters have scanners to check for microchips to attempt to reach the pet owner.
Post to social media
Check for a tag or micro-chip
Search within a 3 block radius
Take a photo and post where you found the animal including cross streets, city/town, and how to get in touch with you. Remember to set your post to public and include "PLEASE SHARE" to encourage others to help spread the word. Post to group pages as well.
Search within a 3 block radius
Search within a 3 block radius
Search within a 3 block radius
Most animals are found within a 3 block radius of their home. Using a leash, pet carrier or vehicle, canvas the area and see if you spot anyone searching for their lost pet.
Ask neighbors
Search within a 3 block radius
Contact Animal Control
We all notice different things and your neighbors may recall seeing that pet at a nearby residence. Attempt to leave a note at several nearby residences asking for them to contact you if they're missing a pet or notice anyone looking for a lost pet in the area.
Contact Animal Control
Search within a 3 block radius
Contact Animal Control
- Bedford Street Department 812-279-9222
- Lawrence County Sheriff's Office 812-275-3316
- Mitchell Street Department 812-849-2211
- Town of Oolitic 812-275-6813
Provide temporary shelter
Provide temporary shelter
Provide temporary shelter
Provide the animal with temporary shelter. This can include a folded towel or blanket (indoors only), food, and water. If an animal is emaciated, it is important to provide warmth and water, but feed only SMALL AMOUNTS (i.e. 1/3 portion) several times a day. Caloric dense food (such as puppy /kitten food) is best.
If keeping the animal outside, please use STRAW (not hay) as an insulator in cold weather. Coats, sweaters and fabric hold moisture and can increase the chance of freezing when left outdoors.
Visit a veterinarian
Provide temporary shelter
Provide temporary shelter
If the animal is sick or injured, they need to see a veterinarian. Before you take an animal to a veterinary center for treatment, be willing to assume financial responsibility for the animal. Anyone committed to trying to save injured stray animals should discuss these issues in advance with the veterinarian. Most veterinary offices will provide a courtesy scan to determine if the pet is microchipped.
Post flyers
Provide temporary shelter
Post flyers
Most lost animals are found within a 3 block radius of their home. Posting "FOUND" flyers with your contact information and a photo of the pet or description (i.e. Large Orange Male Cat) can be helpful in connecting with the owner or those who may know the owner. You can request proof of ownership such as several photos, veterinary records, rabies certificate, etc. to help confirm ownership.