Lost and Found Pets

Lost or Found a Pet? 🐾

You’re in the right place. This page will guide you step-by-step, whether you’re searching for a missing pet or helping a stray find their way home.

Use the drop-downs below for tailored instructions and resources.

Scroll to the bottom of the page to see animals currently in our care.

Download the full pet reunification guide here.

I Lost My Pet

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 found pets currently at the Austin Animal Center through the link or list below.

Lost Pet Checklist

• Start at home
  Check your home thoroughly, then extend out to the neighborhood.
• Text ‘lostatx’ to (844) 764-2125
  For tips through the process. Msg & data rates may apply.
• Post on social media
  Austin has a large community of people who can help—the biggest groups are Austin Lost and Found Pets and Austin TX Lost and Found Pets on Facebook. Don't forget about other platforms like Nextdoor or Craigslist ‘Pets’ and ‘Lost and Found’ sections.
• Make sure the microchip is up to date
  If your pet has a microchip, contact the microchip company to ensure they have your current contact information. You can register a chip for free through 24Pet. Know the chip number but not the company? Use the AAHA registry.
• Create a lost pet report
  Let the community know your pet is missing. Petco Love Lost will also use pet recognition software and create flyers for you.
• Search found pet reports
  Look through pets that have been reported as found on Petco Love Lost.
• Talk to neighbors
  Post flyers, talk to neighbors, and ask them to keep an eye out.
• Check shelters and rescues
  Visit local shelters and rescues regularly in case your pet has been brought in. We are open every day from 11a.m. - 7p.m. at 7201 Levander Loop Bldg. A, Austin, TX 78702. Stray pets are held for 72 hours and then are released for adoption or transfer.

Download the full pet reunification guide here.

I Found a Pet

Found a pet? Thank you for helping! Most animals are found close to home (on average, just a few houses away). A neighbor has a MUCH higher chance of helping a pet get home than a shelter does.

If you’re able to hold onto a stray pet while you look for the owner, you’re upping the odds that they’ll find their family while helping shelters save space for sick and injured pets. That’s a win-win!

If the pet is sick or injured, please call 3-1-1 (or 512-974-2000).

View pets who have been reported lost in the area.

Found Pet Checklist

• Check for a microchip
  Have the pet scanned for a microchip, that could have owner information, as soon as possible. Vet offices, fire stations, animal shelters, and even libraries have scanners!
• Text ‘foundatx’ to (844) 764-2125
  Receive proven tips that guide you through the family-finding process. Msg & data rates may apply.
• Post on social media
  Austin has a large community of people who can help—the biggest groups are Austin Lost and Found Pets and Austin TX Lost and Found Pets on Facebook. Don't forget about other platforms like Nextdoor or Craigslist ‘Pets’ and ‘Lost and Found’ sections.
• Search lost pet reports
  Look through pets that have been reported as missing on Petco Love Lost.
• Create a found pet report
  Let the community know about your found pet. Petco Love Lost will also use pet recognition software and create flyers for you.
• Talk to neighbors
  Neighbors may already have info or can help keep an eye out for you.
• Get support
  Austin Animal Center can help with supplies as well as medical and adoption support through our Finder to Foster program.

Download the full pet reunification guide here.