Lost Pet Help
Find a lost dog or cat using Pet ID steps — microchip helps when scanned; it is not live GPS tracking.
MY PET IS LOST
- Search nearby
- Contact shelters
- Contact animal control
- Check microchip registration
- Update contact information
- Post lost-pet notices
- Contact local veterinary clinics
- Check lost/found databases
What To Do When Your Pet Goes Missing
Act quickly on the checklist above. Microchips help when a finder has the pet scanned — they do not show live location. If you have the chip number, use for a format check, then official AAHA registry lookup.
Lost Dog Checklist
Search, post notices with photo, call shelters daily, confirm chip registration and phone numbers.
Lost Cat Checklist
Search quietly nearby (often close to home), check garages/under decks, contact shelters, verify chip registration.
Contact Shelters and Animal Control
Provide photo, microchip number if known, last seen location, and your current phone number.
What If Someone Finds Your Pet?
They should get a scan and use registry lookup. Share our guide.
FAQ
What should I do if my dog is lost?
Search the surrounding area, contact local shelters and animal control, check the dog's microchip registration, update your contact information, and create lost-pet notices.
What should I do if my cat is lost?
Search nearby areas, check shelters and animal-control resources, verify the cat's microchip registration, and share identifying information locally.
Can a microchip help find my lost pet?
A microchip can help identify a pet when it is found and scanned. It does not provide GPS location tracking.
How do I check my lost pet's microchip?
Use your pet's microchip number with a compatible microchip registry lookup service.
What if I don't know my pet's microchip number?
A veterinarian, shelter, or animal hospital can usually scan your pet and retrieve the chip number.
How do I update my lost pet's contact information?
Contact the registry associated with your pet's microchip and update your current phone, email, and other contact information.
Does a microchip show my pet's location?
No. A standard microchip is not a GPS tracker.
What information should I include in a lost-pet notice?
Include a recent photo, pet name, species, breed, color, distinguishing features, approximate location, date last seen, and a safe contact method.
