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Lost or Found Animals

If You've Found  A Pet

Step One: Walk Around the Neighborhood

​Simply by walking around your neighborhood, you may run into someone who is searching for their pet. Or, you may pass other neighbors or community members who know the pet and can help identify where they live. In some cases, the lost pet may even lead you back to their home.

Step Two: Check for a Microchip

A microchip is a small tag implanted in the pet's skin that links to the owner's information when scanned with a special microchip scanner. Call local vet offices or contact the shelter to see if they can scan the pet for one!

Step Three: Notify Local Shelters & Animal Control

Animal Control

  • New Fairfield - (203) 885-4417

  • Danbury - (203) 748-6456

  • Regional Animal Control (call for Bridgewater, Brookfield, Roxbury, Sherman and New Milford)  - (860) 354-2138

  • Patterson- (845) 878-6500

Local Shelters

  • Danbury Animal Welfare - (203) 744-3297

  • New Milford Animal Welfare - (860) 354-1350

  • Ridgefield Operation Animal Rescue - (203) 438-0158

  • New Fairfield Animal Welfare Society - (203) 743-2925

Step Four: Get the Word Out

Social media may be a way to capture the attention of not just the owner but friends, family members or community members who may recognize the pet. Be sure to post a photo or two with the information about where the pet was found, anything notable about their collar or markings, as well as your contact information and where the pet is currently being housed.

You can also make and distribute flyers around the community.

Step Five: Upload to Petco Love Lost

Petco Love Lost uses facial recognition technology to help reunite pets with owners, faster. Click on "Found Pet" on their website and add a photo of the found animal along with details about where he/she was found. Lost animals who look like the pet will show up and may help lead you to the owner.

If You've Lost a Pet

Step One: Immediately Search the Neighborhood

​Search your neighborhood and surrounding areas to see if you can locate or spot the pet. If the pet seems to be running away every time you get close, try to go against your instincts and rather than chase, see if you can make a game of you running in the opposite direction. Sometimes this can cause the pet (especially dogs) to decide to engage and chase you instead!

As you search, alert neighbors or community members you encounter so they can keep an eye out for the missing pet.

Step Two: Notify Local SheltersAnimal Control, Friends and Family

Notify those who can help get the word out, and pitch in to find the missing pet. Even after the initial few hours, remember to check in with the shelter daily.

Animal Control

  • New Fairfield - (203) 885-4417

  • Danbury - (203) 748-6456

  • Regional Animal Control (call for Bridgewater, Brookfield, Roxbury, Sherman and New Milford)  - (860) 354-2138

  • Patterson- (845) 878-6500

Local Shelters

  • Danbury Animal Welfare - (203) 744-3297

  • New Milford Animal Welfare - (860) 354-1350

  • Ridgefield Operation Animal Rescue - (203) 438-0158

  • New Fairfield Animal Welfare Society - (203) 743-2925

Step Three: Get the Word Out

Take to social media to mobilize your community of friends and followers. Post to lost and found groups and other community-related groups.

Use traditional methods of getting attention like flyering or continuing to do walk-throughs of the neighborhood with information. Don't give up and don't lose hope!

Step Four: Upload to Petco Love Lost

Petco Love Lost uses facial recognition technology to help reunite pets with owners, faster. Click on "Lost Pet" on their website and add a photo of the lost animal along with details about where he/she was lost. Found animals who look like the pet will show up and may help lead you to the lost pet.

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