Skip to content
FindLostPets.com

Lost or found a pet in Washington DC

What to do first in Washington DC, from local animal services’ guidance, and who to call.
What happened?

Brandywine Valley SPCA — DC Animal Shelter

Found-pet shelter for Washington DC; call first. Healthy outdoor cats may stay in their community

202-888-7387

What to do if your pet is missing

  1. 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.
  2. Next

    What local animal services ask:

    • Call BVSPCA to file a lost report and update microchip contact details.
    • Search Petco Love Lost and the shelter’s found-pet listings often.
    • Contact BVSPCA promptly about a lead and confirm where to reclaim your pet.

    FindLostPets and the shelter keep separate reports. It helps to file one with the shelter too.

    How long shelters hold a pet

    Hold times vary; contact the shelter quickly.

    Go in person as early as you can.

    More details about hold times

    Official source:BVSPCA lost and found pets (opens in a new tab)

  3. 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

  1. 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.
  2. Next

    What local animal services ask:

    • If safe, check for a tag and arrange a microchip scan.
    • If you keep the pet, still report it to BVSPCA (DC Animal Control).
    • Call BVSPCA about help and intake appointments before bringing a pet.

    FindLostPets and the shelter keep separate reports. It helps to file one with the shelter too.

    How long shelters hold a pet

    Hold times vary; contact the shelter quickly.

    More details about hold times

    Official source:BVSPCA lost and found pets (opens in a new tab)

  3. Then

    See our guides for a found dog or cat.

Pets posted near Washington DC

Pet Watch

Be the neighbor who helps a pet get home

An email when a missing pet is posted near you

Alert area: Washington DCChange area

Free · Unsubscribe anytime

How Pet Watch works

About these instructions

These instructions are for Washington DC. Healthy outdoor cats may have a home or caretaker; call BVSPCA about sick or injured cats and confirm intake before travel.

  • Local steps checked against the official pages on .
  • Hold times checked .

More from the official site