Lost a Pet?

When You Lose a Pet

If your pet was wearing a current license or I.D. tag, we will make every effort possible to notify you and reunite you with your lost pet. If your pet was not wearing a tag, it is very important that you personally visit our animal shelter. You may have to make several visits as, every day, new dogs are picked up by our animal control officers or by concerned citizens and brought into the shelter.

Lost dogs and cats have been known to wander some distance. We do not pick up cats, unless they are deceased, injured, or involved in a bite case. Cats are brought in from the public due to the no-leash law. When you come to our animal shelter, be sure to ask to see all the found animals, including any that are being held for observation. Ask about any injured animals that may have been taken to a private veterinarian or that were sadly picked up dead off the street.

Safety tip - when describing your pet, leave out one identifying characteristic and ask the person who finds your pet to describe the animal before you give information. It could be a pet-recovery scam and they may not really have your pet. Be wary of people who insist you send them money for the return of your pet.

• Call area veterinarians and pet shops. They have a "Lost and Found" bulletin board in their lobbies.
• Search your neighborhood. Leave the description of your pet and your name and phone number with as many people as possible. Remember to ask people such as your postal carrier and other local delivery personnel.
• Post your flyer. Remember, the City of Hot Springs ordinances prevent posting of signage on telephone poles and street lights. Be careful where you put any "Lost Pet" flyers.
• Keep looking and don't give up. Remember, many well-meaning people do not know it is unlawful to keep a stray animal and will not immediately take a lost or found pet to an animal shelter. They sometimes keep it in their yard for several weeks hoping to find the owner on their own and not realizing you are looking for your lost pet in the animal shelter that provides service to your area or city.
• Place an ad in the local newspapers or media sites. Check the "Found" ads. Remember when reading the "Found" ads that not everyone would describe your pet the same way as you.
• Put out article(s) of clothing or familiar bedding/item(s) the animal is familiar with to help lure them home through the scent. If you need to transport it to a different location other than your home, place the item(s) in a sealed plastic bag to not contaminate it with other smells.
• ID Tags/Microchip - If the ID tag/Microchip doesn't have the current contact information, reach out to the contact that has that information and let them know your animal is missing and provide your current information. Check back with them occasionally, in case they lose your information. 

If you are fortunate enough to find your lost pet, be sure to attach a license and identification tag to his/her collar. And don't forget to remove all posted flyers and consider a microchip for your pet.