If you've found a stray or lost animal
Yolo County area professionals* have outlined exactly what to do if you've found a stray or lost animal within Yolo County. Please contact your local animal service officials if outside of Yolo County.
1. Download and complete a Found Report.
Yolo County Form for lost and found DOGS
Yolo County Form for lost and found CATS
2. Submit this form to the Yolo County Animal Services.
Email the Found Report and photo(s) to ycaslostpets@yolocounty.org. Details needed include date and location animals was lost, clearly stated contact information, and the animal’s details (color, breed, age, sex, altered/unaltered and if possible, scanned microchip number).
3. Have the animal scanned for a microchip.
Please bring the lost animal in to any veterinary clinic or the Yolo County Animal Services shelter to have it scanned (for free) for a microchip. Many pet owners are utilizing microchips to identify their pets and the only way to tell if an animal is microchipped is to have it scanned! If you are not sure of the breed, sex or age of the animal, please ask the staff at the shelter or vet clinic, as this information is very important for the found report.
4. Search for the pet’s owner.
To search for the owner, talk to neighbors around the area in which you found the animal to see if anyone recognizes it.
Please Note: When speaking to neighbors or creating a flyer, it is recommend that you do not give away all of the information/details about the animal. Leave some information out so the owner must prove that it’s their animal.
5. Make & post fliers.
Keep it clear and simple. Use a photograph if possible (color copies are best). The more fliers you distribute, the more likely you will reunite the lost pet with its owner! During the rainy season, laminate the fliers or place them in plastic sleeves. Suggested places to post include local vet offices, post offices, markets, pet stores, ranch supply stores, laundry facilities, libraries, public bulletin boards, and throughout the neighborhood where the dog was found.
6. Notify veterinary clinics.
In case someone reports a lost animal matching your found pet!
7. Post on your local Facebook Lost and Found Pets groups.
Yolo County
Davis
Woodland
West Sacramento
Winters
Sacramento
Special note about CATS:
If you have found a cat that looks like it is in healthy condition, please do NOT bring it to the shelter. More often than not, these cats are either outdoor cats or indoor cats who can better find their own way home than if they were brought to the shelter. You may choose to put a paper collar on the cat with your information and ask that the owner contact you when they see to collar in order to make sure the cat has a home.
*Source: Yolo County SPCA
