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Lost or found a pet in Chicago

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

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:

    • File a lost report and check CACC’s current shelter listings.
    • Visit promptly to identify a possible shelter lead.
    • Bring photo ID and proof of ownership; confirm reclaim arrangements.
    CACC lost-pet instructions (opens in a new tab)

    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 by animal. Chicago's code allows some animals of unknown ownership to be adopted or transferred after three days, and cats and young litters sooner. Contact the shelter quickly.

    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:Chicago code 7-12-060 (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.
    Shelter search checklistMake a flyer

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.
    • File a found report using CACC’s official reporting tools.
    • Call CACC to confirm arrangements before bringing a found pet.
    CACC found-pet instructions (opens in a new tab)

    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 by animal. Chicago's code allows some animals of unknown ownership to be adopted or transferred after three days, and cats and young litters sooner. Contact the shelter quickly.

    More details about hold times

    Official source:Chicago code 7-12-060 (opens in a new tab)

  3. Then

    See our guides for a found dog or cat.

    Found-dog guideFound-cat guide

Pets posted near Chicago

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About these instructions

These instructions are for pets lost or found in the city of Chicago. Call CACC to confirm intake and reclaim arrangements.

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