Lost or found a pet in New York
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 ACC’s shelter listings.
- Update microchip contact details and follow up on possible leads.
- Call ACC about a possible shelter lead 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
Animal Care Centers of NYC says strays without an identified owner are held for three days before they may be placed elsewhere. Contact ACC promptly about a specific pet’s status.
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:ACC lost and found (opens in a new tab)
More local help
Where to look
Check ACC’s online animals in care and its lost-and-found map, and visit the Care Centers. ACC asks visitors to call ahead for a lost-pet check.
Licensing and identification
New York City requires dogs to be licensed and to wear their license tag on their collar in public. The city’s dog eLocator can help report a found dog wearing a license tag.
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 ACC’s official lost-and-found tools.
- Call ACC before bringing a found pet to the shelter.
FindLostPets and the shelter keep separate reports. It helps to file one with the shelter too.
How long shelters hold a pet
Animal Care Centers of NYC says strays without an identified owner are held for three days before they may be placed elsewhere. Contact ACC promptly about a specific pet’s status.
More details about hold times
Official source:ACC lost and found (opens in a new tab)
More local help
Reporting a found pet
Report a found pet through ACC’s Petco Love Lost link and arrange a microchip scan. For a dog wearing a city license tag, use NYC Dog eLocator. Call ACC before bringing a pet in; ACC does not accept healthy stray cats.
ACC lost and found (opens in a new tab)NYC Health lost and found pets (opens in a new tab)
Pets posted near New York
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 New York City’s five boroughs. Call ACC before bringing a found pet.
- Local steps checked against the official pages on .
- Hold rule checked .
- Local details checked on .