Finding a Lost Pet
Follow these tips to help bring your pet home as quickly as possible.
- Start Looking. The faster you can begin your search, the less terrain your pet will be able to cover. Be sure to call the pet's name and bring their favorite treats and toys. Bring a pad and pen to hand out your contact information should locals see your pet before you do.
- Create Flyers. Post and distribute “Lost Cat/Dog” flyers in a large radius of where you last saw your pet or where they may have roamed since becoming lost. Use bold letters so it’s easily visible and include a photo, description of your pet, the date and location the pet was lost and a reward if available. Post flyers in local supermarkets, coffee houses, dog parks, bus stops, veterinary offices, and animal shelters, including your local city pound.
- Go Door-to-door. Talk to neighbors and residents in the area and ask if they’ve seen your pet. Provide a flyer or contact information should they see your pet.
- Call Around. Call local shelters, veterinary clinics and pet stores to alert them of your lost pet.
- Advertise. Place an ad in a local newspaper and post on social media pages to spread the word about your lost pet.
- Post Listings Online. Post information about your lost pet on:
- Report your Lost pet to Your Local City Shelter. Let the facility know the location where the animal was lost as well as any other details you can provide so they can determine if your pet has been taken in. If your pet is microchipped, provide the chip number. In Chicago, stray and lost pets are impounded at two main locations:
- City of Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) – 2741 S. Western Ave, 312-747-1406
- Animal Welfare League – 6224 S. Wabash Ave, 773-667-0088
If you live in the suburbs, call your local animal control office. These organizations are only required to hold strays for three days; after that they will be put up for adoption or can be at risk of euthanasia. Visit each shelter as quickly as possible and keep checking back.
Don’t Give Up! Some pets have been known to turn up months after being lost so keep searching!
When you are reunited with your pet, ensure he is microchipped and wears a collar with current ID tags to be sure he can be returned quickly if ever lost again.
