Answers for how to report or find a lost pet
Losing or finding a pet can be stressful. The Pet Resource Center (PRC) is here to help you take the right steps quickly and effectively. Whether you’ve lost a beloved pet or found a stray, this guide has answers to the most common questions.
I lost my pet. What should I do?
- Search your neighborhood Most lost pets don’t wander far and are often found close to home.
- Check local shelters. Visit PRC’s Online Kennel and select Stray/Lost Pets to see if your pet has been brought in. You can also visit shelters close to your neighborhood, as well as the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
- Use Petco Love Lost. This free tool helps match lost and found pets. Visit PetcoLoveLost.org to upload a photo of your pet and start your search.
Post flyers and online notices. Check for postings from people who have found a pet on neighborhood apps, such as Nextdoor, or on social media, such as the Lost and Found Pets of Hillsborough County Facebook page. If you don’t see your pet, post a lost pet notice with the following:
Clear photo of the pet
Date the pet was lost
Nearest major crossroads
Contact information
I found a lost pet. What should I do?
- Ensure safety. Approach the animal cautiously. If it’s friendly, secure it in a safe area.
- Check for ID tag or microchip. If the pet has a tag, call the number. You can also take the pet to a veterinarian, shelter, or PRC to have it scanned for a microchip. If you are able to obtain the pet’s full microchip number, you can search using online databases.
- Use Petco Love Lost. Upload a photo of the found pet at PetcoLoveLost.org to help locate the owner.
- Post online. Share information and photos of the found pet on community platforms such as Nextdoor or the Lost and Found Pets of Hillsborough County Facebook page.
Hold the pet temporarily. If you can safely care for the animal while searching for the owner, this helps reduce shelter crowding and increases the likelihood of reuniting it with the owner.
Report the lost pet. If you have exhausted all other options and are unable to locate the pet’s owner, let Hillsborough County Animal Control know you’ve found a lost pet. Instructions for submitting a report can be found here.
What is Petco Love Lost?
Petco Love Lost is a free, nationwide tool that helps reunite lost pets with their families. By uploading a photo, the system searches for matching reports in local shelters and communities. In Hillsborough County, both PRC and Humane Society of Tampa Bay utilize this platform, enhancing the chances of a successful reunion. It’s easy to use and increases the chances of getting pets home faster. Visit PetcoLoveLost.org to get started.
How long are pets held at the shelter?
Before being evaluated for adoption, stray pets that are not microchipped are typically held for 3 days, and stray pets that are microchipped are typically held for 7 days. If your pet is missing, don’t delay – check online and with local shelters daily.
Can I visit the shelter to look for my pet?
Yes. Visiting the Pet Resource Center in person is a good way to check for your pet. Location and hours are available here.
Tips for Preventing Lost Pets
- Microchip your pet and keep the information current.
- Always use a collar and ID tag.
- Secure fences and gates. Check regularly for escape routes.
- Keep recent photos of your pet in case you need to make flyers or online posts.
Need more help?
If you still have questions or believe one of the pets at PRC is your lost pet, contact (813) 301-PETS (7387).
If you have found a stray animal that is not a lost pet, submit a stray animal report to Hillsborough County Animal Control.