Lost/Found Pets

If you’ve found a dog…

Bringing a lost pet to the Humane Society should be a last resort. Most pets are found by neighbors within close proximity to the pet’s home (usually within a mile from home), and the farther an animal is taken from it’s found location, the lower the chance of the pet being reunited with their family. We need community members to assist us in limiting shelter intakes to animals that are truly homeless or suffering and those that represent public safety concerns. If you find a pet that appears healthy and friendly, please review the tips on this page to expedite the reunion of the pet with its owners. And remember: pets can become dirty and bedraggled quickly, so try to avoid judgments or assumptions that the pet was intentionally abandoned or not cared for by its family. If you have found a stray animal in another county, not in Kitsap County, please take it to the closest Animal Shelter or Humane Society within that county. Kitsap Humane Society can only take in stray pets found within Kitsap County limits.

There are a few ways to help a lost pet find it’s home:

Be safe – if you are able, get the dog to a safe and secure area and be aware of surroundings. Your safety and the safety of others should come first. DO NOT chase the dog into traffic.

Check for identification – Is the dog wearing a collar with a tag? Is a phone number written on the collar? If so, call or text the number. For license tags or rabies tags issued by Kitsap Humane Society, call 360-692-6977 ext. 1209. For other rabies tags, contact the veterinary clinic listed.

Knock on doors – Check with your neighbors or other people in the area. They may know the dog and can help you locate its home.

Snap photos – Take pics of the dog, street signs, and area where dog was found.

Post on social media – Facebook, Ring, and neighborhood social sites are outstanding ways to reunite pets with their families. Also, see the list above for other resources.

Make and post flyers – Hang flyers in heavy traffic areas and public spaces near where the dog was found. Good old fashioned leg work is still the best way to locate an owner.

Check for a microchip – Veterinary offices and Kitsap Humane Society can scan a lost pet for a microchip and can assist you with contacting the microchip company to report a lost pet.

Can you keep the dog for 48 hours? – Typically, pets don’t wander very far from home so chances are that someone is looking for them close to where they were found. Keeping a found pet at home helps keep shelter population low and prevents the missing pet from being housed in a high-stress environment and exposed to disease. If you do take in a lost dog, it is always best to house the dog separately from other pets and from small children to avoid any possible injuries or contagious illnesses.

If you still can’t locate the owner or house the dog safely – You can bring him or her to the shelter during regular business hours. Admissions is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Found a cat?

Most cats you see outdoors are not in need of intervention and should be left where they are. So first determine whether this is a cat in need of immediate attention (sick or injured) or a healthy neighborhood cat out for a stroll.  If you are unsure or would like more information about community cats and Trap-Neuter- Return, please click here.

I’ve Found Kittens! Step-by-Step Guide on What to do Next