Page last updated on November 14, 2024 at 12:40 pm
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR ANIMAL IS MISSING:
- Fill out a Lost Pet Report, call Bloomington Animal Care and Control at 812-349-3492, or email lostandfoundanimals@bloomington.in.gov. Be prepared to provide your companion animal's:
- Breed
- Size
- Weight
- Sex
- Collar
- Tags or microchip number
- Any distinguishing characteristics
- Please email a picture of your companion animal to lostandfoundanimals@bloomington.in.gov.
- Use social media to spread the word: Facebook’s Bloomington Indiana Lost and Found Pets Page, Next Door, etc.
- Post flyers with a color picture and description of your lost companion and your contact information at bus stops, schools, veterinary clinics, laundromats, and stores.
- Reach out to your neighbors, postal carriers, newspaper carriers, and others in your neighborhood and let them know your animal is missing.
- Consider your animal’s personality – fearful animals will hide, friendly or outgoing animals will enter homes and cars to be with people.
- Always ask permission to search for your companion animal on private property.
- Visit the Animal Shelter to search for your pet. Take a chance on anything remotely similar to your lost animal and visit the shelter often! Remember that within days, dirt, rain, and irregular grooming can quickly change the appearance of your beloved pet.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO HELP YOU FIND YOUR MISSING ANIMAL:
- Missing Pet Partnership is a national nonprofit devoted to reuniting lost pets with their families. The website includes recovery tips and a guide to finding pet detectives.
- Cats in the Bag provides detailed tips to better help you locate your lost cat. This site addresses the differences between indoor and outdoor cats, as well as trapping, utilizing neighbors, and different types of posters.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE FOUND A STRAY ANIMAL:
- The majority of found animals are within a mile of their home, often just blocks away. Consider telling the animal to go home and then following it to ensure safety or if you have it confined or on leash, walk it up and down the street.
- File a Found Animal Report, call Bloomington Animal Care and Control at 812-349-3492, or email lostandfoundanimals@bloomington.in.gov for assistance.
- Scan for a microchip. Our shelter, local veterinarians and animal welfare groups can assist.
- Post a photo on social media: Facebook’s Bloomington Indiana Lost and Found Pets Page, Next Door, etc.
- Post flyers with a picture and description of the found animal and your contact information at bus stops, schools, veterinary clinics, laundromats, and stores.
- If none of these options work and you are unable to keep longer than 24 hours, contact the Animal Shelter where the animal was found.
**Please be aware that when you call the Animal Shelter, you may get our voicemail system. The Shelter receives 300 to 400 calls per day. We check voicemail regularly throughout the day and return calls as soon as possible.