lost & found pets

Thank you for helping a lost pet find their way home. Most lost pets are found within a mile of where they live, so keeping them in the area where they were found gives them the best chance of being reunited with their family.

Please note: Per Marion County Ordinance 531-208, stray pets must complete a legal holding period to allow owners time to locate them. During this period, IndyHumane is unable to intake stray animals.

Steps to Help Reunite a Found Pet

1. Check for a Microchip
Take the pet to a local veterinary clinic or shelter to be scanned for a microchip.

2. Report the Pet as Found

• Submit a found pet report through Petco Love Lost.
• Create a found pet report on Indy Lost Pet Alert.

3. Share with Your Community

• Post on Nextdoor.
• Share in local Facebook groups and neighborhood social media pages.
• Create and post flyers in the area where the pet was found.

4. Can't Secure the Pet?
Take a photo and submit a sighting report through Indy Lost Pet Alert so owners can be alerted.

Have You Been Caring for the Pet for Over 14 Days?

If the pet has been posted on Indy Lost Pet Alert and remained in your care for more than 14 days, you may begin seeking a new home for the pet on your own.

If you are unable to rehome the pet and still need assistance after the 14-day holding period, please submit an intake request form to schedule an appointment with IndyHumane.

We know how stressful it can be when a beloved pet goes missing. Taking action quickly can increase the chances of bringing them home safely.

Steps to Help Find Your Pet

1. Report Your Pet Missing
Create a lost pet report and share it through:

• Petco Love Lost 
• Indy Lost Pet Alert 
• Nextdoor
• Local Facebook groups and neighborhood social media pages

2. Check Your Microchip Information
Make sure your pet's microchip registration includes your current phone number and contact information. If you've moved or changed phone numbers, contact your microchip company to update your account.

Not sure which microchip company your pet is registered with? Contact your veterinarian or the organization that implanted the microchip.

3. Visit Local Shelters
Check area shelters regularly and, when possible, visit in person. While IndyHumane rarely takes in stray animals, the primary shelter responsible for stray intake in Marion County is Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS), located at 2600 S. Harding Street.

Remember that lost pets can travel significant distances, so it's also a good idea to check shelters in surrounding counties.

4. Continue Searching
Walk your neighborhood, talk to neighbors, post flyers, and check lost-and-found reports frequently. Many pets are reunited with their families thanks to community awareness and persistence.