Found a lost dog or cat? 6 steps to help them get home

A lost pet is often scared and may bite or scratch if scooped up suddenly. Approach slowly, sit low, speak gently, and let them sniff your hand first. If they come closer, use a leash or towel to secure them, then move to a quiet place with clean water. Do not offer a large meal right away, especially human food. If the pet is injured, shaking, or weak, take them to the nearest vet clinic. If they seem aggressive, do not force a catch: take photos, note the location, and contact a local rescue group. If you already have other pets at home, keep the found pet in a separate room to avoid conflict.

First, look for a collar or name tag. Many collars have a phone number engraved. If you see a QR code, open your phone camera and scan it: with a PetID QR collar and ID tag, the pet's profile page appears with how to contact the owner—no extra app needed. Some PetID tags also support NFC—just tap your phone on the tag. Once you reach the owner, arrange to meet in a public or convenient place, and keep the pet safe until the handoff.

If there is no tag, the real owner will need details to recognize their pet. Take a few clear photos: face, full body, both sides, and unique marks such as spots, a short tail, or eye color. Note the exact time and place you found them, including the street name or a nearby landmark. These details help the true owner confirm quickly and help you filter out fake claimers. One small tip: when you post, do not publish every identifying detail—keep one back to ask the person who comes to claim.

The more people who see the post, the sooner the pet gets home. You can post a found ad on the PetID lost-pet community, where owners searching for pets often check. At the same time, look through existing lost ads to see if any match the pet you are holding. Also post in local pet groups, apartment resident groups, and ask nearby security or corner shops to keep an eye out. Include the area, time, and photos—but you do not need to share your home address.

People who lose a pet often call nearby clinics and rescue stations first. So tell vet clinics around the area that you are holding a lost pet, with photos and your phone number. Some clinics may be able to check whether the pet has a microchip, if they have a reader. If you cannot keep the pet for long, ask trusted rescue groups for temporary holding support. Do not rush to give the pet away before the owner is found—the real owner may still be searching every day.

When someone contacts you to claim the pet, verify carefully. Ask them to send older photos, a vaccine book, or an in-app profile, and to answer the detail you held back. Watching how the pet reacts when they meet is also a good sign. Meet in a busy place, and bring a friend if you can. Be especially wary of anyone who asks you to transfer money first or to send a confirmation code by message.

Are you a pet owner? Put a PetID QR collar on your pet today, so if they ever go missing, a kind finder can reach you in seconds.