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Lost or Found a Pet
What to do if you have lost a pet
You can call the Animal Control Center and see if an animal matching
your pet has been received at the Center, but it is always best
to visit the Center to visually look for
your pet, descriptions can vary between people and this helps
alleviate problems in identifying your pet. You should also contact
the APL and give them a description of your pet so that if someone
calls in with information about a pet that they have found they
may be able to assist in reuniting the pet with its owner. Contact
the Animal Emergency Clinic to see if a pet has been brought in
by someone who may found it hurt. Place a "lost" pet ad in the newspaper.
Contact your local veterinarians to see if someone has contacted
them about a pet that they have found.. Place posters with a picture
of the pet in the vicinity where the pet was lost, or last seen,
possibly offer a reward.
What to do if you have found a lost pet
If the animal has a rabies tag you can call the Sangamon County Animal Control Center at 535-3065 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30PM Monday through Friday, and 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM on Saturdays. They can identify the owner and can assist in locating the owner.
You may also call the Animal Protective League(APL) of Springfield and Sangamon County at 544-7387. You can leave a message if you call during non-business hours. They also have access to rabies tag information.
If the animal has no identification walk the dog around the neighborhood someone may recognize the dog and be able to direct you to the owner. Call the Animal Control Center and the APL to see if anyone has reported that they are missing their pet, people often call these agencies to see if someone has found their pet. The State-Journal Register may allow you to place a "free" found dog ad in the newspaper(788-1300). Check the lost pet section of the newspaper. If you can not care for the animal you can bring it to the Animal Control Center and they will care for the animal until an owner can be found, or if an owner can not be found placed up for adoption.
How can you protect your pet from being taken?
- Take pictures of your pet that will allow identification (scars,
unique markings, etc.)
- Do not leave your pet unattended at home for long periods.
- MicroChip your pet so there is a permanent identification feature that can not be removed.
- If you're going to be gone for long periods of time ask neighbors to keep an eye on your pet.
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