Lost & Found Pets
LOST
We know how terrible it is to lose a pet. Take a deep breath, and read through the steps below for immediate actions you can take to find your pet.
First, contact your local animal shelter. Johnson County Animal Control can be reached at 317-736-3924, but you will need to visit the shelter in person to claim your pet.
Upload your pet’s information to IndyLostPetAlert http://www.indylostpetalert.com/. When filling out lost pet reports, be sure to include:
Your pet’s name and what they are likely to answer to;
Details about the time, date and location in which your pet was lost;
Good photos;
Information about your pet’s appearance, age, sex, breed, microchip number, collar and tags.
Print out multiple copies of flyers and distribute them to your neighbors, post them in major intersections near the area where your pet went missing, in animal shelters, and in community centers.
Post a free classified ad with Craigslist and the Daily Journal (or your local newspaper).
When advertising to the public, provide a thorough description of your pet to allow for a positive identification in the event that someone finds him or her, but leave out one or two unique characteristics to avoid being the target of scams. Beware of anyone who claims to have found your pet and demands a monetary incentive for his or her return.
Make regular visits to local shelters and look for your pet. While shelters do their best to reunite stray pets with their families, the large volume of animals in their care makes it crucial for pet owners to follow up.
FOUND
Should you find a stray or lost pet, please contact your local animal services agency in order to give the pet the best chance of being reunited with its owner.
Capture and contain the animal with care.
Check for ID and immediately call the number on the tags. Often, a pet will have an owner tag and a vet’s tag. Try to call the owner first, and if they don’t answer, try the vet.
Get the pet scanned for a microchip. You can do this at your local vet’s office or the shelter.
If you are unable to hold the pet in your care, take pets with no ID to an animal shelter.
Check your local news papers and IndyLostPetAlert http://www.indylostpetalert.com/. Make and post fliers.