Lost/Found Pets
Step One:
If you have lost or found a pet in Skagit Valley, your very first step should be to call us at 360-757-0445, email us at shelter@skagithumane.org, or come by the shelter. If you come by, bring any photos you might have of your pet with you to help us in identification.
Step Two:
Leave a report with your local animal control department. Ask them how you can provide a photo of your lost pet to them, along with your contact information. If you’re unsure of how to contact animal control, call your local police department and they can point you in the right direction, but we have also listed the numbers and links to their websites here below
Consider:
You should definitely consider microchipping your pet and always keep their tags attached and information updated. Also consider registering with PawBoost. PawBoost is like an AMBER Alert for lost pets. Millions of pet lovers have joined their Rescue Squad by signing up for localized lost & found pet alerts. More importantly, PawBoost has helped reunite over 1 million pets with their families. Posting is free, with optional premium services available. Click here to register a lost or found pet with PawBoost.
Animal Control Contact Information
Tribal Communities
Read on below for more steps you can take, and tips to help you through the process.
Prevent Lost Pets
- Always keep your pets indoors (especially cats and small dogs).
- Keep dogs within a secure fence.
- Your pet should wear a collar and ID tags at all times. Include an up-to-date phone number where you can be reached.
- Keep recent photographs of your pet.
- Have your pet microchipped and be sure to keep the records up to date if you move or get a new phone number.
- Maintain written records of your pet (size, color, unique markings) and, if someone else is caring for your pet, ensure they have access to this information.
- Spay/neuter your pet. Studies have shown that sterilized animals are less likely to roam.
- Keep them safe when you’re out and about. Animals love the outdoors but it is our responsibility to protect them. Always leash your animals when outside. Keep them close to home and away from traffic, unfamiliar animals and those who may not concern themselves with your pet’s best interests.
Found Pets
- BE CAREFUL WITH STRAY ANIMALS. If you have found a stray animal, call your local Animal Control officer. If you are comfortable handling stray animals and are absolutely sure the animal will not harm you, attempt to leash and recover the animal. Be very careful when approaching an unfamiliar animal since it may be frightened, injured, or hungry and may have been abused. When in doubt, let Animal Control handle the situation. It can help if you are able to describe the address or precise location of the stray and keep it within eyesight until help arrives.
- CHECK OUR RECORDS. Call the Humane Society at (360) 757-0445, email us at shelter@skagithumane.org, or just stop by during business hours in order to see if the pet has been reported LOST by an owner.
- CHECK WITH VETERINARIANS. Check with your local veterinary clinics to see if anyone is looking for the found animal. The clinics can also scan the animal to see if it has been microchipped.
- MAKE POSTERS. Place them around town (especially near where the animal was found), at local veterinary clinics, and at the Humane Society of Skagit Valley. We have a bulletin board for lost and found animals. PLACE AN AD. You can place a free ad with the Skagit Valley Herald for found animals. The ad will run for three days. You may call their classifieds department at (360) 424-4567 to place the ad or you may send them an e-mail at classified@skagitvalleyherald.com.
