Finding Your Lost Pet
Losing a pet can be very upsetting - for you and your pet! Here are some tips to get your pet home safely as soon as possible!
Begin Your Search Immediately at Local Shelters.
- Check El Dorado County shelters for lost pets. Visit us in person or check our website:
- See animals at other shelters: www.petharbor.com
- Check shelters every 2-3 days. Many shelters only hold a stray animal for a few business days before the animal is put up for adoption or must be euthanized. When you visit shelters check the kennels and Found Animal reports that may be posted in the office! Click here for a list of area shelters.
Complete a Lost Animal Report and bring or FAX it to the El Dorado County Animal Services business office in Placerville at 415 Placerville Drive, Suite N, FAX: (530) 622-6851, or in South Lake Tahoe at 1120 Shakori Drive, FAX: (530) 577-5318. You can also come to the shelters and complete this form.
Post and Distribute Flyers - Include your pet's photo and description, the date and location they were lost, and your address and phone number on the flyer. Post these in the neighborhood and distribute them to local veterinarians, groomers, pet and feed stores, and other locations. (Once you have found your pet, be sure you take down the flyers.)
Place an Ad - Place a lost pet ad in local newspapers and offer a reward, but do not specify the amount. This can be an incentive for people to look out for your pet. Keep checking the Found Pet ads - often persons finding a lost pet will place an advertisement. Many newspapers offer free Lost and Found ads (try the Mountain Democrat or Tahoe Tribune).
Talk with Local Veterinarians - People who have found a lost animal will often notify the closest veterinary office. Click here for a list of local veterinarians.
Actively Search - Go door-to-door and inform neighbors that you lost your pet. Drive around looking for your pet and calling your pet's name.
Don't Give Up - Many pets are found months after they are lost! Keep looking and doing everything you can to bring your pet home. Click here for local shelter contact information.
Download a full tip sheet