Lost & Found Animals

Often times, one of two instincts kicks in when someone finds a pet -- leave it and hope it finds its way home or pick it up and take it the shelter. But there's a third and critical way to handle this that could mean helping reunite that pet with its family much more successfully. 

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If possible, we're going to ask that you look for the owners in your area and possibly even foster that animal for the short term. This leaves space in the sheltering system for pets in emergency situations and critical need, but more importantly often means that the lost pet can find its home -- whereas once at the shelter those chances of reunifications start to go down.

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We want to try and get as many pets back into the loving arms of their families and over time animal shelters across the country have realized this happens better in the community.  However, we're still here if you need us!

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1. Walk Around the Neighborhood 

Simply by walking around your neighborhood, you may run into someone who is searching for their pet. Or, you may pass other neighbors or community members (delivery drivers, postal workers, landscapers, pool technicians, etc often know the pets in the homes on your street!) who know the pet and can help identify where they live. In some cases, the lost pet may even lead you back to their home. 

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2. Check for a Microchip

A microchip is small (grain of rice-sized) tag implanted in the pet's skin (typically between the shoulder blades) that links to the owner's information when scanned with a special microchip scanner. Call local vet offices or contact the shelter to see if they can scan the pet for one! Sometimes even local fire departments or other community services have microchip scanners as well.

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NFSAW, animal control and veterinarians have microchip scanners to check for a chip!

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3. Notify Local Shelters

Animal Control

• New Fairfield - (203)312-5631

• Danbury - (203) 748-6456

• Regional Animal Control (call for Bridgewater, Brookfield, Roxbury, Sherman and New Milford)  - (860) 354-2138

• Patterson- (845) 878-6500

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Local Shelters

• Danbury Animal Welfare - (203) 744-3297

• New Milford Animal Welfare - (860) 354-1350

• Ridgefield Operation Animal Rescue - (203) 438-0158

• New Fairfield Animal Welfare Society - (203) 743-2925

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4. Get the Word Out

Social media may be a way to capture attention of not just the owner but friends, family members or community members who may recognize the pet.  Be sure to post a photo or two (or even a video clip) with the information about where the pet was found, anything notable about their collar or markings, as well as your contact information and where the pet is currently being housed. 

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Try posting on the Nextdoor app or in the Facebook groups listed below:

• CT Lost Pets

• DOGS- CT Lost/Found Dogs

• CATS- CT Lost/Found Cat Group

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You can also make and distribute flyers around the community. Make sure the photo is large and easily seen, include where he/she was found, and basic contact information for yourself. Start by posting these around your neighborhood, then begin to branch out to nearby locations, with a special focus on essential needs -- gas stations, grocery stores, bodegas or convenience stores, parks, community centers, churches / synagogues / houses of worship.

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5. Upload to Petco Love Lost

Finding Petco Love Lost is a website that uses facial recognition technology to help reunite pets with owners, faster. Click on "I Found a Pet" on their site or app and add a photo of the found animal along with details about where he/she was found. Lost animals who look like the pet will show up and may help lead you to the lost animal.