Searching for Your Lost Pet

• Typically, when we receive pets without identification, they are sheltered for five working days. Pets with identification are cared for five days while we make every effort to contact their owners.
• Lost/Found animals that are listed in our online database are NOT available for adoption at this time. However, if these pets remain unclaimed, they may become eligible for adoption at a later date.
• If you are an owner who is coming to reclaim your pet, please bring your driver's license or ID with your correct address, along with proof of ownership such as photos or veterinarian records.
• Even though you may view the animals online, it is important to also visit our shelter in person. You are the only one who can best identify your pet.
• Lost pets can travel long distances when frightened or confused. You should visit every animal shelter in the metro area.
• Remember to notify friends and neighbors that your pet is lost. Place a "lost" ad in the newspaper, and check "found" ads daily.
• Contact veterinary practices in your area. They may have lost pet bulletin boards in their offices.

Preventing a Lost Pet

     

• License your pet, and make it has a collar at all times with a current rabies tag and an ID tag with your address and phone number.
• Consider a microchip identification implant, which can identify your pet if it loses its collar. Most shelters can scan pets for this type of ID, and your contact information is kept on a shared registry.
• Confine your pet in a safe area during unfamiliar or frightening situations, for example, during house or yard work, and when you have guests over.
• Periodically check your fence for loose planks or holes, and make sure the gate is secure.
• Obey Denver's leash law. Always keep your pet on a leash when outdoors.
• Crate or buckle your pet when in the car. If you get into an accident, a loose pet may be thrown from the car, injured or killed.
• Do not transport pets in the open bed of pickup trucks. Your pet may become distracted by something, such as another animal on the side of the road, and leap from the truck.
• If you own a dog, a basic training class can help it learn commands like "sit," "come," and "stay." A well-trained dog is more likely to heed these commands even when it is frightened or confused.