Lost or found a pet in Indianapolis
Indianapolis Animal Care Services
City stray shelter for Indianapolis; found strays require an appointment after an emailed review. Call first
317-327-1397What 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 Petco Love Lost and IACS listings.
- Visit the shelter to identify your pet; claims cannot be made by phone or email.
- Bring proof of ownership, such as photos, vet records or microchip details.
FindLostPets and the shelter keep separate reports. It helps to file one with the shelter too.
How long shelters hold a pet
Indianapolis code requires the shelter to hold stray animals at least four days, counting weekends and holidays; exceptions apply, including injured or sick animals and eligible community cats. 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:Indianapolis Code 531-731, 531-734 (opens in a new tab)
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 free microchip scan.
- File a found report through the city’s Petco Love Lost instructions.
- Email indycares@indy.gov for review before arranging an intake appointment.
FindLostPets and the shelter keep separate reports. It helps to file one with the shelter too.
How long shelters hold a pet
Indianapolis code requires the shelter to hold stray animals at least four days, counting weekends and holidays; exceptions apply, including injured or sick animals and eligible community cats. Contact the shelter quickly.
More details about hold times
Official source:Indianapolis Code 531-731, 531-734 (opens in a new tab)
Pets posted near Indianapolis
Pet Watch
Be the neighbor who helps a pet get home
An email when a missing pet is posted near you
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How Pet Watch worksAbout these instructions
These instructions are for pets lost or found in the city of Indianapolis. Eligible unsterilized free-roaming cats are exempt from this rule; ask IACS about the individual pet’s status.
- Local steps checked against the official pages on .
- Hold rule checked .