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Lost or found a pet in Boston

What to do first in Boston, 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:

    • Use the official shelter page’s lost-pet contact to file a lost report.
    • Search the shelter’s linked lost and stray pet listings on 24PetConnect.
    • Contact the shelter about a possible lead before traveling.
    Boston 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; contact the shelter quickly.

    Go in person as early as you can.

    More details about hold times

    Official source:Boston found-pet instructions (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:

    • Follow the city’s found-pet reporting instructions.
    • Ask Animal Care and Control about the next step for the pet.
    • Check with the shelter before traveling.
    Boston 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; contact the shelter quickly.

    More details about hold times

    Official source:Boston found-pet instructions (opens in a new tab)

  3. Then

    See our guides for a found dog or cat.

    Found-dog guideFound-cat guide

Pets posted near Boston

A neighbor walking his dog at sunset on a quiet street.

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About these instructions

This page is for Boston city. Use the official shelter instructions for its lost-pet contact; the card lists the city’s general animal-care line.

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