Lost or found a pet in Phoenix
What to do if your pet is missing
Now
Add a photo and where your pet was last seen. We’ll show you pets posted nearby that could be yours. Each one is a lead to check, not proof.
Start with a photoFree and private. No account needed.Next
What local animal services ask:
- File a lost report and check the shelter’s current dog listings.
- Update microchip contact details and follow up on possible leads.
- Contact the shelter promptly about identification and reclaim arrangements.
FindLostPets and the shelter keep separate reports. It helps to file one with the shelter too.
How long shelters hold a pet
Arizona law generally requires stray dogs to be held at least 72 hours, or 120 hours if the dog has a microchip, license or other owner ID; exceptions apply. Maricopa County Animal Care and Control does not take in stray cats.
This is a general rule, not a date for your pet. Go in person as early as you can, and ask the shelter how long it will keep a pet that could be yours.
More details about hold times
Official source:Arizona law 11-1013(E) (opens in a new tab)
More local help
Where to look
Check the county’s lost-and-found listings and visit both its West shelter in Phoenix and East shelter in Mesa. If you recognize your pet, bring identification and ownership evidence such as photos or veterinary records.
Maricopa County: finding and reclaiming pets (opens in a new tab)
Licensing and identification
Maricopa County handles dog licensing for Phoenix. Resident dogs three months and older need a license; use the county’s licensing account to keep your contact details and pet records current.
Keep checking
- Look at the shelter’s listings again, and go in person when you can.
- Open your search here again to see what has been posted since.
- Write down who you called and any possible sightings, then make a flyer and share it.
What to do if you found a pet
Now
Answer three quick questions and see if someone nearby is missing them.
Look for their ownerPrivate until you choose to share. No account needed.Next
What local animal services ask:
- If safe, check for a tag and arrange a microchip scan.
- File a found report using Maricopa County’s official reporting tools.
- Use the shelter’s online appointment instructions for found-dog intake.
FindLostPets and the shelter keep separate reports. It helps to file one with the shelter too.
How long shelters hold a pet
Arizona law generally requires stray dogs to be held at least 72 hours, or 120 hours if the dog has a microchip, license or other owner ID; exceptions apply. Maricopa County Animal Care and Control does not take in stray cats.
More details about hold times
Official source:Arizona law 11-1013(E) (opens in a new tab)
More local help
Reporting a found pet
Report a found pet through Maricopa County’s Petco Love Lost links and have a veterinarian or county shelter check for a microchip. County shelters do not impound stray cats, but you can still report them as found.
Pets posted near Phoenix
Pet Watch
Be the neighbor who helps a pet get home
Sign up to receive email alerts for lost pets in your area.
Free · Unsubscribe anytime
How Pet Watch worksAbout these instructions
These instructions are for dogs found in Phoenix. Maricopa County Animal Care and Control does not take in stray cats.
- Local steps checked against the official pages on .
- Hold rule checked .
- Local details checked on .
