Lost a Pet

When you are trying to locate your lost pet, especially if he or she is not wearing a Collier County License, Rabies or ID tag and has not been microchipped, Time is Critical! Keep in mind that tags can become detached, so don't assume that your pet is wearing identification.

What to do first

  • If microchipped, call your microchip company to advise them of your lost pet and make sure your name, address, and phone number are up-to-date and if possible, add a secondary phone number in case you cannot be reached. Make sure the microchip company does not have a privacy block on your chip information.
  • Fill out a Lost Pet Report; include photos if possible.
    Lost Pet Report

Tips to help find your lost pet

Find a current and clear photograph of the lost pet and have colored copies made to attach to the Lost Pet Report.

You can view pictures of pets in our custody here: 24PetConnect and clicking on Collier Domestic Animal Services. We strongly encourage you to visit the shelter daily; pictures can be misleading due to lighting conditions, etc.

Post to social media sites

Post a current picture of your pet with your contact information on social media sites:

Create Signs

Signs are the #1 way to get your pet home quickly, if not wearing identification.

Immediately post a Lost Dog or Cat flyer on your mailbox, a neighbor may have your pet inside for safekeeping. If you put your flyer inside a plastic binder insert with a piece of cardstock behind it, it will be protected from the weather and will not fold over. Remember that Less is Best. It must be able to be read while someone is driving by, so just put Lost Dog or Cat in bold letters at the top, the pet's photo in the middle, and your phone number on the bottom. Answer every single call.

Drive and walk your neighborhood speaking to neighbors. Leave them with a flyer so if your pet is seen, they will have your contact information at their fingertips. It is important to get the calls immediately and not two days later.

Next to or close to your mailbox, where your lost pet sign is already hanging, leave a bowl of water and a familiar scent item such as an unwashed item of your clothing, his favorite toy or bed.

Next Steps

Don't become discouraged! Lost pets often seek shelter during the hottest part of the day or during storms, and often come out of hiding at dusk and dawn. When they are initially lost, they are in survivor mode, so as time goes on, they will start to settle in and start looking for food. A stray will always stay close to a water source, such as a pond, water feature, etc.

If your pet is brought to Domestic Animal Services:

You must claim your pet in person and provide proof of ownership in one of the forms listed below:

  • Current County Animal License in owner's name
  • Microchip registered in owner's name
  • Current veterinary records in owner's name
  • Bill of sale from breeder in owner's name
  • Adoption contract in owner's name

Stray animals brought to Collier County Domestic Animal Services, per county ordinance, are held for the legal stray time, including closed days and holidays.

You are responsible for claiming your pet during its stray hold at Collier County DAS. Animals that are not claimed within the stray hold may be moved to adoption, rescue, or foster care.

Back to top