lost & found pets

Thank you for your compassion in caring for a lost pet. It’s important to understand that, per Marion County Ordinance 531-208, stray pets must be held for a holding period to give their owners a chance to find them. During this holding period, IndyHumane is unable to take in strays. Taking in strays during their holding period increases the length of time animals stay at the shelter and limits the number of animals we can accommodate.

Did you know most lost pets are found within a mile of their home? The best way to reunite them with their family is to keep them in the area where they were found. Here are some steps you can take to increase the likelihood of reuniting the lost pet with their family:

• Petco Love Lost: This national lost-and-found pet database uses facial recognition to reunite the pet.  More information can be found using this link.
• Indy Lost Pet Alert: Create a found report and share it with your network using this link.
• Post on Nextdoor: Engage with your local community on this platform.   You can do this by downloading the app or accessing their website. There is a good chance someone in your area will know where the pet belongs.
• Neighborhood Social Media: Post on Facebook groups or other local online communities.  Your found report from Indy Lost Pet Alert is an easy way to share relevant information.
• Create flyers: Distribute flyers in the area where the pet was found.
• Microchip scanning: Take the pet to a local veterinary clinic or shelter to be scanned for a microchip.

If you are not able to secure or house the animal take a picture of the animal and post a sighting report on Indy Lost Pet Alert.

If you have cared for the pet for more than 14 days:

• If the pet was posted on Indy Lost Pet Alert and has been in your care for more than 14 days you are now able to rehome the pet on your own. Just like owned pets, you are encouraged to rehome the pet through the channels outlined above. 
• If you still need to bring the pet to IndyHumane after the 14-day holding period, please use this form to make an appointment.

We understand how distressing it can be when a pet goes missing. Here are some steps you can take to help bring your pet home:

• Report your pet as missing on lost pet channels including Petco love lost, Indy Lost Pet Alert and Neighborhood Social Media and Nextdoor (more information on those websites can be found above).
• Ensure that your pet’s microchip information is current. Many people forget to update their phone number on their pet’s microchip, if your contact information has changed since getting your pet microchipped contact the microchip company and update this information. If you are unsure what brand of microchip your pet has, contact your veterinarian or the provider that implanted the microchip.  
• Contact area animal shelters to look for your pet.  It is recommended that you physically visit the shelter. While IndyHumane rarely takes in strays, the shelter responsible for taking in strays in Marion County is Indianapolis Animal Care Services located at 2600 S. Harding St. Remember pets can travel, it is a good idea to check surrounding county shelters as well.