Lost a Pet? We’re Here to Help
Losing a pet is stressful, but we’re here to support you. The Austin Animal Center is now working with Petco Love Lost, a free national database that uses facial recognition and AI to help reunite pets with their families. It even scans Nextdoor posts for matches.
You can still use all of our local tools — this just gives you more ways to find your pet faster.
View pets who have been reported found in the area. Check daily!
View found pets currently at the Austin Animal Center.
Text ‘lostatx’ to 844-764-2125 to receive texts with proven tips that will guide you through the pet-finding process.
Step 1: Report and Search with Petco Love Lost
- Report your lost pet using a photo
- Search found pets nearby and nationwide
- Get a free flyer you can print or post to social media
- Let the tool check Nextdoor automatically
You can still call 3-1-1 to report your lost pet. You’ll be referred to Petco Love Lost to get started.
Step 2: Check the Shelter
- Look at our Lost & Found Pet Search for pets at the shelter.
- Visit the Austin Animal Center in person. Stray pets are held for 72 hours and then are released for adoption or transfer.
We are open every day from 11a.m. - 7p.m. at 7201 Levander Loop Bldg. A, Austin, TX 78702.
Step 3: Keep Spreading the Word
- Share your Petco Love Lost flyer online and in your neighborhood.
- Post to Nextdoor, Craigslist, and Austin Lost and Found Pets on Facebook
- Talk to neighbors, area vet offices, delivery drivers, and mail carriers
To Reclaim Your Pet from Austin Animal Center
- If you have found your pet in our shelter, please visit us immediately to reclaim. Pets are held for 72 hours and then are released for adoption or transfer. Our Reclaim Department is open every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- If you cannot immediately visit the shelter, call 512-978-0556 or email animal.reclaim@austintexas.gov. (The hotline is answered daily during business hours).
- Bring proof of ownership, such as vet records or a photo ID of your pet, to reclaim.
- Bring your photo ID. We accept Driver's Licenses, US or International passports, government or other official photo identification, and Mexican Consulate cards.
Sometimes pets are taken to shelters in other areas. List of surrounding shelters.
Found Pets in Our Care
For more details on everything lost and found, view our Pet Reunification guide (PDF 5 MB) (español).
LostATX and FoundATX Texting Programs
AUTOMATED TEXT MESSAGING PRIVACY POLICY / TERMS & CONDITIONS
Agreement to Receive Text Messages
By providing your mobile number, you agree that Austin Animal Center may send you text messages (including SMS and MMS). Austin Animal Center will send you up to twenty (20) messages per month. Message and data rates may apply.
You may opt out at any time by texting the word STOP to phone number (844) 764-2125. For help, send the word HELP to (844) 764-2125.
You agree to notify us of any changes to your mobile number and update your account with us to reflect this change.
Austin Animal Center does not store your personal information for this service. Phone numbers and other information are stored by Simple Texting. Simple Texting's privacy policy can be found at https://simpletexting.com/privacy-policy/.
Will I be charged for the text messages I receive?
Though Austin Animal Center will never charge you for the text messages you receive, depending on your phone plan, you may be charged by your mobile provider.