Lost & Stray Pets Guide
Lost or Found a Pet?
If you’ve found a lost pet or your own pet has gone missing, acting quickly can greatly improve the chances of a reunion.
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Please note:
Midwest Animal Rescue & Services is a foster-based rescue and does not have a shelter facility, so we cannot accept stray animals directly.
Stray animals must go through local animal control or a municipal shelter first so owners have the opportunity to reclaim their pets.
If you Found a Pet
Finding a lost pet can be stressful, but these steps help reunite pets with their families quickly.
1. Check for ID
Look for a collar and ID tags that may include the owner’s contact information.
2. Scan for a microchip
Any veterinary clinic or animal shelter can scan a pet for a microchip, usually free of charge.
3. Contact local animal control
Stray animals should be reported to the animal control department where the pet was found.
Animal control manages the legal stray hold period, which gives owners time to reclaim their pets.
4. Post the pet online
Posting online dramatically increases the chances of finding the owner.
Helpful websites include:
• PetFBI
• PawBoost
• Petco Love Lost
• Nextdoor
• Local lost & found Facebook groups
Posting in multiple places helps more people see the pet.
If you Lost a Pet
Losing a pet is incredibly stressful, but many pets are reunited with their families when owners act quickly.
Steps to take right away:
• Contact local animal control and nearby shelters
• Check with veterinary clinics in your area
• Walk or drive around the area where your pet was last seen
• Ask neighbors to check garages, sheds, and under decks
Post your lost pet online
These platforms are widely used to reunite lost pets with their families:
• PetFBI
• PawBoost
• Petco Love Lost
• Nextdoor
• Local lost & found Facebook groups
Be sure to include clear photos, location information, and contact details.
How to Find Your Local Animal Control
Animal control services vary by city or county.
To find the correct department:
• Web Search "[your city] animal control"
• Contact your local police department’s non-emergency number
• Contact your municipal shelter
You can also use this lookup resource to find the impound facility or animal control department for many Minnesota cities:
Animal Control & Impound Facility Lookup: Link here
Reporting a found pet helps ensure the pet is documented in case the owner is searching for them.
Helping Outdoor or Community Cats
Not every outdoor cat is lost. Many communities have community cats, also called feral or outdoor cats, who live outside but are cared for by neighbors.
If a cat appears healthy and comfortable outdoors, it may already have a caretaker.
Instead of removing the cat, consider ways to support them safely outdoors.
Supporting Outdoor Cats in Winter
Winter can be challenging for outdoor cats, but there are simple ways to help them stay safe and warm.
Helpful tips:
• Provide insulated outdoor shelters
• Use straw (not blankets) inside shelters for warmth
• Place shelters in protected areas away from wind and snow
• Provide fresh food and water daily
There are many simple DIY outdoor cat shelter designs available online using storage bins or coolers.
Supporting Outdoor Cats in Summer
Hot weather can also be dangerous for outdoor animals.
Ways to help include:
• Provide fresh water in shaded areas
• Place water bowls where they won’t easily tip over
• Offer shade from the sun using shelters, decks, or landscaping
• Avoid leaving food out during extreme heat for long periods
Keeping water available can make a huge difference during hot weather.
Injured Wildlife
If you have found an injured wild animal, please contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota
https://wrcmn.org
They specialize in caring for injured and orphaned wildlife.
Still Need Help?
If you have questions that aren’t answered here, please visit our Connect With Us page to reach the appropriate team.