Even with all your best efforts to keep them safe and secure, your beloved pet can wander away. A lost pet can send you into a panic. Follow these steps to bring them home safe and sound.
What to Do When You Have Lost a Pet in Las Vegas
Check all possible hiding spots within and around your home. Cats, in particular, may find secluded places to nap.
Check around your neighborhood and ask neighbors to keep an eye out. Half of the dogs and pets that wander away or go missing are found not far from home. Begin your search as soon as you realize your pet is missing. The sooner you start, the better your chances of finding them. Check nearby parks and public areas where people often walk their dogs. Ask people you encounter if they have seen your pet.
Leave items with your scent around your home and the surrounding area. Your pet may be able to pick up the scent and find its way back.
Stay positive and persistent in your search efforts. Pets have been known to return home weeks or even months after going missing. Inform local businesses in your area, such as pet stores, grooming salons, and gas stations. They may be able to keep an eye out for your pet or allow you to post flyers.
Have a clear and recent photo of your pet. Create a detailed description, including any distinctive markings or features. Create flyers with your pet’s photo, a brief description, and your contact information. Distribute them in the neighborhood, local parks, veterinary offices, and community centers.
How to Use the Internet to Find Your Lost Pet
Petco sponsors petcolove.org/lost which is a database of lost and found pets that uses facial recognition to help reunite pet families. Take a look at 24PetConnect.com as well.
Head to Pawboost and enter your information as well as details about your pet. This information is then pushed to the local Las Vegas Pawboost Facebook Group. From the Pawboost site you can also print flyers and alert members of their Rescue Squad in your area by email.
You can also post this info on Lost and Found Dogs of Las Vegas and Henderson Facebook Group and on nextdoor.com.
Lost pets picked up in the cities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, or Clark County are brought to The Animal Foundation. Click here to see the requirements. If you have lost an animal in the City of Henderson, please contact Henderson Animal Control at 702-267-4970 or visit their website.
What to Do If You Find a Lost Pet in Las Vegas
The first and best option with a found dog or pet is to head to your closest vet office or pet supply store to have a scan for a microchip. Even if the owner is not found, the microchip can give you further information for the search. Starting August 1, 2024, all dogs and cats over the age of four months residing in the City of Las Vegas must have a microchip.
If the pet does not have a chip, you can walk around your neighborhood with the lost pet and see if their owners are looking as well. Post the found dog or pet on Pawboost, Petco Love Lost, 24PetConnect, Lost and Found Dogs of Las Vegas and Henderson Facebook Group and on Nextdoor.com.
If you can’t keep the dog, reach out to local rescues to see if they can help. Consider helping the rescue help you and the dog or pet by becoming a foster. As a last resort, you can reach out to the shelter.
The largest shelters in Las Vegas are NOT no-kill, so only consider surrendering an animal there after exhausting all options.