Have you found a stray animal and aren’t sure what to do? Here are a few tips on how you can best help a lost animal this July 4th Holiday.

Most of the time, lost animals can be easily reunited with their family by staying near where they were found. That leaves the shelter with room to say yes to animals who urgently need our help – those who are sick or injured.

Healthy Cat (Leave it Alone)

1. If you found a healthy cat (not injured or emaciated): Put it back where you found it. It most likely has an owner and was just enjoying a walk around the neighborhood!

Sick or Injured Cat or Dog (Seek Help from an Organization)

1. Take to a local vet or animal shelter for immediate medical care.

Healthy Dog (House Animal Until You Can Locate the Owner)

1. CHECK FOR ID/COLLAR: If the dog has a collar with ID/Phone, please contact the owner. 
2. CHECK FOR MICROCHIP: Take to a local vet, shelter, pet store to scan for chip*
3. YARD SIGNS: Make a big sign for your front yard – Keep it simple: FOUND DOG/CAT/RABBIT Size, Type (if known), Color, Sex 
4. SOCIAL MEDIA: Post animal picture and FOUND notice of local “Sacramento Lost & Found Pets” Facebook page, Craigslist, Nextdoor and any other city or neighborhood specific social media group available 
5. FAXED NOTIFICATIONS: Go to www.lostmydoggie.com choose free option, you can then enter the info and photo. This information is immediately faxed to Animal Shelters, Vet offices, rescue groups, etc. Many owners have been found this way!
6. NEIGHBORHOOD SIGNS: Print flyers from www.lostmydoggie.com (yes, they help cats too!) Post flyers on telephone poles or other neighborhood boards – 

FOUND A MICROCHIP?

Visit www.petmicrochiplookup.org and enter the chip number and contact all companies where registration is listed.

How to Reclaim Your Lost Pet at the Sacramento SPCA

If your lost pet appears on our found pets webpage, you can visit our Animal Support/Intake Department at 6201 Florin Perkins Road during the hours below:
 
Intake/Reclaim Hours
July 1-3, 11:00am – 5:30pm
July 4th – Closed
July 5-10, 11:00am – 5:30pm

Thank you for saving a lives!