Lost a Pet?

If your companion animal is lost, act quickly

Thousands of animals brought to Puget Sound area shelters as strays are euthanized because their owners don't come looking for them during the standard 72-hour stray holding period (most communities require this waiting period). Don't assume your missing companion will be back in a day or two, has been stolen, or has "gone off to die." Begin your search as soon as you realize your pet is missing.

Search animal shelters first

Services offered by animal shelters and animal control facilities vary, but all can offer advice.

• Call animal control and any shelters in the area where the animal was lost. Here’s a list of other animal shelters and agencies in Western Washington. If you are not in Western Washington, you can search for shelters across the country at Petfinder.com.
• You may have to call the local sheriff or police department to find out which agency handles the area's stray animals.
• Ask to file a lost animal report with the shelter or animal control agency.
• Visit the shelters and do it often. Looking in person is the best way to ensure that you and your pet are reunited. As difficult as it may be, ask about records of animals found injured or dead.

Visit PAWS

• PAWS takes in strays from Bothell, Brier, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Mukilteo, Shoreline, Woodinville, and Unincorporated Snohomish County in Washington State. (If you lost your pet outside of the Greater Seattle Area in Washington State search Petfinder.com for shelters near you.)
• If you think your pet may be at PAWS submit a lost animal report and visit during our open hours. (Please note that PAWS makes all lost animal reports available for public viewing. PAWS is not liable for information in the reports.)
• Sometimes we are able to list animals who have been found stray with our adoptable pets. These animals are listed with the word "stray" first. See the list of animals.

When you arrive:

• PAWS staff will instruct you how to look for your cat or dog in the shelter.
• If you haven’t already, you will need to complete a lost animal report.
• Staff will also direct you to our lost and found station to look through the found animal reports. These are completed by citizens who are holding onto stray animals in the hopes of reuniting them with their guardians without leaving them at the shelter.
• Lost and found reports are kept on file for approximately four weeks and are not returned to the reporter. PAWS is not responsible for returning photographs or other items attached to the report.

If your pet is at PAWS:

• Good news that your pet has been found!
• Before your pet can be released, you must prove ownership and pay any related fines.
• Proof of ownership is established with pictures, veterinary records, pet tags, licenses or a microchip registered in your name.
• Fines are determined by the city or county where your pet was found. PAWS staff will tell you the amount and where to pay them.
• Depending on where your pet was found, fines are payable either to PAWS by cash or credit card or at the community police station.
• Once you’re reunited, learn how to prevent your pet from getting lost again.

If your pet is not at PAWS:

• If your pet is not at PAWS, please keep coming back. Your pet may arrive the next day or the next week, and since many animals look alike we cannot guarantee we will be able to match a completed lost report with your pet. Your chances of finding your pet increase if you return to the shelter on a regular basis.
• Don’t forget to visit other shelters in the area—you never know how far your pet may have wandered. Here is a list of other animal shelters and agencies in Western Washington.
• Be sure to check out these other resources for finding your lost friend.