Lost or found a pet in Philadelphia
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 the shelter’s current listings.
- Visit promptly to identify a possible shelter lead.
- Bring photo ID and proof of ownership; confirm reclaim arrangements.
FindLostPets and the shelter keep separate reports. It helps to file one with the shelter too.
How long shelters hold a pet
ACCT Philly lists 48 hours for dogs and five days for microchipped dogs. It says cats have no legally required stray hold. Contact the shelter 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:ACCT Philly found pets (opens in a new tab)
More local help
Where to look
File a missing-pet report on Petco Love Lost and check ACCT Philly’s found-dog and found-cat listings. Visit the shelter in person, and bring photo identification and evidence of ownership if you find your pet.
Licensing and identification
Philadelphia directs dog owners to ACCT Philly for city licensing. Use the city’s dog-license page to find the application service and the shelter’s licensing guidance for your dog.
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 ACCT Philly’s official instructions.
- Keep the pet at home when possible and call about safe next steps.
FindLostPets and the shelter keep separate reports. It helps to file one with the shelter too.
How long shelters hold a pet
ACCT Philly lists 48 hours for dogs and five days for microchipped dogs. It says cats have no legally required stray hold. Contact the shelter promptly about a specific pet’s status.
More details about hold times
Official source:ACCT Philly found pets (opens in a new tab)
More local help
Reporting a found pet
File a found-pet report through ACCT Philly’s Petco Love Lost link and ask a vet or shelter to scan for a microchip. ACCT generally accepts animals from Philadelphia, with an exception for pets adopted from ACCT.
Pets posted near Philadelphia
Pet Watch
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How Pet Watch worksAbout these instructions
These instructions are for pets lost or found in the city of Philadelphia. Keep a found pet at home when possible and call ACCT Philly about next steps.
- Local steps checked against the official pages on .
- Hold rule checked .
- Local details checked on .