What to Do With Lost and Found Pets in Tallahassee

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Lost a pet in Tallahassee? Or found a dog or cat wandering around your neighborhood? There are some great local resources that can help reunite missing pets with their families, and most are completely FREE!

One of the best places to start is the Facebook community Lost and Found Pets Tallahassee and Surrounding Areas. This volunteer-run community helps spread the word about missing and found pets throughout Tallahassee and the surrounding areas.

But don’t stop at Facebook! There are several other things you can do to improve your chances of getting your furry family member home safely.

What to Do If You Lose a Pet in Tallahassee

1. Report Your Missing Pet to Tallahassee Animal Services

Start by filing a lost pet report with the Tallahassee Animal Services Center.

The shelter serves Tallahassee and Leon County and is one of the first places people contact when they find a stray animal.

Animal Services Center: 850-891-2950

Check the shelter’s found pet listings regularly. If possible, visit in person, too. Sometimes an animal looks very different in a shelter photo!

2. Post Your Pet on Facebook

Share a clear photo of your missing pet in the Lost and Found Pets Tallahassee Facebook community.

Include:

  • Your pet’s name, breed, color, and approximate size.
  • The date and general area where your pet went missing.
  • Any unusual markings or identifying features.
  • A phone number or another way to contact you.
  • Whether your pet is shy, friendly, or likely to run if approached.

Share the post in neighborhood Facebook groups and on Nextdoor, too. The more local people who see it, the better!

3. Create a Lost Pet Flyer

Don’t underestimate a good old-fashioned flyer! Not everyone uses Facebook, and someone who spots your pet may never see your online post.

Use a large, clear photo showing your pet’s face and body. Include the general location where your pet disappeared and a way to reach you.

Post flyers around your neighborhood, nearby intersections, veterinary offices, and pet supply stores where permitted.

TIP: Choose a photo that shows your pet’s unusual markings. A blurry picture of a brown dog isn’t nearly as helpful as a clear photo showing that little white patch on his chest!

4. Search FREE Lost Pet Databases

These websites can help you search for missing pets or report an animal you’ve found:

  • Petco Love Lost – FREE lost pet database with photo-matching technology to help reunite pets with their families.
  • PawBoost – Create lost or found pet alerts and search local listings. Basic listings are free.
  • Lost Dogs Florida – Resources and information for finding missing dogs throughout Florida.
  • 24Petconnect – Search participating animal shelters and lost pet listings.

Check these sites frequently. Your pet might not be listed today but could show up tomorrow.

5. Check Your Pet’s Microchip Information

If your pet is microchipped, make sure your phone number and contact information are current with the registry.

You can use the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool to help identify which registry to contact.

And don’t forget to call nearby veterinary offices. Someone may have brought your pet in to check for a microchip.

What to Do If You Find a Lost Pet in Tallahassee

Found a dog wandering down the road or a friendly cat hanging around your house? Here’s how to help get them home.

  1. Check for identification. Look for a collar, ID tag, or rabies tag with contact information.
  2. Have the pet scanned for a microchip. A local veterinarian or animal shelter can help.
  3. File a found pet report. Visit Tallahassee Animal Services for instructions and the report form.
  4. Post a photo online. Share the general location and a clear photo in local lost pet groups and databases.
  5. Put up found pet flyers. Focus on the neighborhood where you found the animal.
  6. Verify ownership. Ask anyone claiming the pet to provide photos, veterinary records, or identifying details before handing the animal over.

IMPORTANT: If you find a pet, report it to Animal Services even if you plan to keep it safe temporarily. Someone may already be desperately searching for that animal.

For a sick or injured stray animal requiring emergency assistance after hours, contact the Consolidated Dispatch Agency at 850-606-5800.

More Tallahassee Lost Pet Resources

Don’t Give Up!

Missing pets can sometimes be found days, weeks, or even months after disappearing. Keep checking shelters, updating your posts, and following up on possible sightings.

And when your pet finally makes it home, don’t forget to update your lost pet listings! That lets everyone know your furry friend is safe and helps volunteers focus on the animals still missing.

Know of another Tallahassee lost pet resource we should include? Let us know!

Share with friends and family!

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