Losing a pet can be a distressing experience, and finding a stray animal requires responsible action. Joint Animal Services provides resources and guidance to help reunite lost pets with their owners and ensure the safety of found animals. This article outlines the steps to take if your pet is lost or if you’ve found a stray animal in the Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and unincorporated Thurston County areas.
Locating a Lost Pet: Resources and Actions
If your beloved companion has gone missing, Joint Animal Services offers several avenues to aid in your search:
Online Search and Reporting
- Browse Stray Pet Listings: Regularly check the Joint Animal Services website for photos of stray animals currently at the shelter. View Stray Pets
- File a Lost Pet Report: Utilize Petco Love Lost to create a lost pet report, making your pet’s information accessible to the public. Include a clear photo and detailed description. File a Lost Pet Report
- Leverage Social Media: Explore local Lost and Found pet groups on Facebook and platforms like Craigslist and Nextdoor.
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Offline Resources
- Visit Joint Animal Services: Stray animal information is posted at the shelter.
- Lost Pet Hotline: Call (360) 352-2510, option 5 for recorded descriptions of stray animals recently brought to the shelter.
- Physical Posters: Create and distribute posters with your pet’s photo and your contact information in the area where your pet was last seen.
Important Note: Stray animals may be available for adoption after 48 hours at the shelter. Check listings frequently.
Found a Stray Animal? Steps to Take
Finding a stray animal requires responsible action. Here’s how to proceed:
Reporting and Reuniting
- File a Found Pet Report: Report the found animal on Petco Love Lost to help connect with potential owners. File a Found Pet Report
- Microchip Check: Schedule an appointment with Joint Animal Services or a local vet to scan the animal for a microchip.
- Utilize Online Resources: Search lost pet reports on Petco Love Lost, social media, and online classifieds.
Bringing the Animal to Joint Animal Services
If you reside within the service area (Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and unincorporated Thurston County) and cannot keep the animal while searching for its owner:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact Joint Animal Services at 360-352-2510 to schedule a drop-off appointment. Directions and Hours Do not bring animals to the shelter without an appointment.
- Animals Found Outside Service Area: Contact the appropriate animal shelter for the location where the animal was found. Find a Shelter
Reclaiming Your Pet from Joint Animal Services
If you believe your pet is at the shelter:
- View Stray Animals: Visit the Joint Animal Services website to see photos and information about currently housed stray animals. Reclaim Your Pet This page outlines the necessary steps for reclaiming your pet.
By working together and utilizing the resources provided by Joint Animal Services, we can increase the chances of reuniting lost pets with their loving families.
