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PAWS Chicago is not licensed to accept stray or lost animals, but provides you
with the following resources to assist your efforts to help a lost or stray
animal.
Click here to learn more about PAWS Chicago’s stray/lost animal
policy
Post Flyers
If you are not certain as to whether the animal is a lost or stray animal, it is
best to post “Found Dog/Cat” signs in the area where the animal was found, as
well as at local supermarkets, coffee houses and other public areas. You will
want to include a short, vague description of the found animal and your contact
information. Not including a photograph of the animal will help you ensure that
the correct guardian has been located, based off of their detailed description
of the animal. Please make sure you post a Flyer at Animal Care & Control - this
is very important. Most lost pets are taken to the local Animal Care and Control
facility.
Check for a Microchip
If the animal is not wearing a tag containing the guardian’s contact
information, a veterinary clinic or animal shelter should be able to scan the
animal for a microchip. It is recommended that you call in advance to check if
an appointment is necessary and the costs for this service (many facilities
offer this service free of charge for stray/lost animals).
Report the Lost Animal to the Necessary Authorities
It is very important to report all found animals to the local animal control in
the area where the animal was found, since the owner may search there as well.
Chances are very good that someone is looking for the animal you have found, and
time is of the essence to reunite them with their family, so please act quickly.
If you are able to foster the lost animal until it is reunited with its owner,
you should check with the animal control facility as to how you can do this. For
example, you may be able to post a flyer at the facility and submit necessary
paperwork in lieu of the animal having to be physically held at the facility for
the specified holding period.
For animals found in Chicago, please contact the City of Chicago Animal
Care and Control at (312) 744-5000.
PAWS Chicago’s Stray and Lost Animal Policy
PAWS Chicago is not legally permitted to hold or accept stray and lost animals.
All stray and lost animals must be taken to the appropriate facility for a
holding period. It is important to understand that the owner of a companion
animal is given only a brief window of time to reclaim his / her lost pet before
ownership rights are terminated; in Chicago, that time frame is 5 days. PAWS Chicago works with area shelters such as the City of
Chicago Animal Care and Control to transfer unclaimed animals into our adoption
program on a consistent basis.
Additional Resources for Helping a Stray or Lost Animal
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Click here for what to do when you find a stray or lost animal from hsus.org
PAWS Chicago’s Free and Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic
- Click here for
information on The Lurie Family Spay/Neuter Clinic
Trap-Neuter-Return
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Click here to learn more about the humane approach to feral (outdoor) cat
control
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