Bring the animal to the shelter - File "Found Animal" reports with all local shelters within 25 mile radius
- The animal will need to be scanned for a microchip
- You cannot adopt the pet until you have tried to locate the owner and the stray hold period is completed (varies between 4-10 days)
- Finders may foster pets (become "Finder-Fosters") during the stray hold period as long as they make efforts to find owners-see list below
The shelter is usually the first place owners look. As a Finder-Foster you may see the owner in your neighborhood or they may reach out on social media. Contact the foster coordinator (dogfostering@oakldnsanimals.org) and set an appointment to bring he animal back to the shelter. Tell potential owner to contact shelter to be reunited there with their pet.
Spread the word! - Post an alert on your social media sites:
- Facebook Lost and Found Pages
- Finding Rover
- Nextdoor
- Twitter
- Instagram
- Pawboost
- Craigslist
use hashtag #OaklandLostFoundPets - Send private message to the Facebook page OAKLostFoundPets with a picture and details.
- Post found flyers near the area you found the animal, including local shops.
Owner has been found - Direct owner to contact OAS to be reunited with pet.
- Contact OAS foster coordinator to bring pet in to be reunited.
Owner has not been found - After stray hold period, animal is available to be adopted.
- Contact OAS foster coordinator for next steps.
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If the animal is injured
Immediately bring the animal to shelter.
Stray hold period
If the lost pet has no identification the pet will be held for four (4) business days, which must include a Saturday.
Examples: - If a dog/cat came in on Monday with no identification, he would legally be the property of OAS on Sunday and would be evaluated for adoption.
- If a dog/cat came in on Thursday with no identification, he would legally be the property of OAS on Sunday and would be evaluated for adoption.
If the lost pet has identification in the forms of a microchip or is wearing a tag or license, he will be held for 10days while OAS attempts to contact the owner. |