Is Your Pet Lost?
Houston Humane Society partners with Petco Love Lost to make reuniting lost pets easier using image recognition technology to search a national lost and found database.
Click HERE to search and report your lost pet.
A lost pet can be a frightening experience for any pet parent.
Immediate action is crucial, but where do you start?
Follow the steps below for the best chance of a reunion.
What to do immediately after your pet goes missing:
Walk the neighborhood: Take a walk around the immediate area and speak to any neighbors, postal service workers, landscapers, or anyone who may have seen your lost pet. You know your pet best, so look in areas that your pet may have been interested in or comfortable hiding in. Most pets are found close to home.
Share their scent: Put a couple of your pet's favorite items near the most common entry ways into your home. The front door and the door into your yard would be the best locations. You can include items like their favorite bed, blanket, toys, their litterbox (if cat) and any other items they use frequently. Their scents may help them find their way home.
Next Steps:
1. Search for your lost dog or cat on Petco Love Lost: We have partnered with Petco Love Lost to easily help search the national lost and found database and create a searchable/shareable alert for your missing pet. Upload a picture of your pet or searching by location. Powered by image recognition technology, Petco Love Lost helps match found animals to reported lost pets nationwide. Visit Petco Love Lost and search now!
If you haven't done so already, be sure to register your pet on Petco Love Lost to do things like create a Lost listing that can be shared and print out premade fliers. You can also receive fliers via text message or email.
2. Use the sharing features on Petco Love Lost to distribute your lost pet listing on other social media outlets like Facebook, Craigslist, and Nextdoor.
3. Make sure your pet’s microchip information is updated: If a finder takes your missing pet to be scanned for a microchip, you want to make sure that all the information is correct so that you will be contacted immediately.
4. Check with your local animal services, animal control, and animal shelters: Call to see if your missing pet is at one of these locations. An in-person trip is preferable so you can look and see if your pet is in their care. Many organizations allow you to place a lost report with them, where you can leave a photo of your pet and your contact information.
5. Continue to spread the word about your missing pet: Make sure any posters or fliers made are large and bright with only relevant information on it. Place in high traffic areas and in the vicinity of where your lost pet went missing.
6. Don’t give up! Finding a lost pet can take time. Remember to regularly check websites that you have posted your lost pet on and make updates as needed. New lost and found pets are added regularly to Petco Love Lost and to your local shelters.
Losing your companion animal is hard, frustrating and very stressful. We have been made aware from victims themselves informing us of scammers that have preyed on vulnerable animal parents. Below are some tips to follow, and help you to avoid these stressful situations.
"I Have Your Pet" Scam
Scammers may reach out claiming they've found your pet, only to demand a reward without any proof.
How to avoid: Always ask for photo or video evidence. Never send money without confirmation.
Scammers may reach out claiming they've found your pet, only to demand a reward without any proof.
How to avoid: Always ask for photo or video evidence. Never send money without confirmation.
Fake Shelter or Rescue Calls
Some scammers pretend to be shelters or rescues and ask for fees before you can retrieve your companion animal.
How to avoid: Verify the shelter’s contact info independently with a quick online search. Never pay upfront without confirming they have your companion animal. Ask for proof like photos, videos, or even a live video chat. If unsure, hang up and call the shelter directly using verified contact details.
Some scammers pretend to be shelters or rescues and ask for fees before you can retrieve your companion animal.
How to avoid: Verify the shelter’s contact info independently with a quick online search. Never pay upfront without confirming they have your companion animal. Ask for proof like photos, videos, or even a live video chat. If unsure, hang up and call the shelter directly using verified contact details.
Pet Recovery Service Scams
Some companies charge for recovery services that deliver no results and leave you without your furry loved ones, and robbed of your hard earned money.
How to avoid: Stick to trusted services like Petco Love Lost. Check reviews and do research before paying.
Some companies charge for recovery services that deliver no results and leave you without your furry loved ones, and robbed of your hard earned money.
How to avoid: Stick to trusted services like Petco Love Lost. Check reviews and do research before paying.
Emotional Blackmail Scams
Scammers may claim your companion animal is injured or sick and demand money for treatment before returning them.
How to avoid: Stay calm, take a deep breath, and insist on proof before sending any kind of money or personal information
Scammers may claim your companion animal is injured or sick and demand money for treatment before returning them.
How to avoid: Stay calm, take a deep breath, and insist on proof before sending any kind of money or personal information
Fake Social Media Profiles
Scammers may create fake profiles claiming to have found your pet and ask for money or personal info with no evidence.
How to avoid: Be wary of online strangers. Look for signs like poor grammar, lack of details, or refusal to
Scammers may create fake profiles claiming to have found your pet and ask for money or personal info with no evidence.
How to avoid: Be wary of online strangers. Look for signs like poor grammar, lack of details, or refusal to
provide proof. Don’t share personal info unless you’ve verified their identity.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Microchip Your Pet: A microchip helps identify your pet and ensures a safe return. Houston Humane Society offers microchip services.
- Use Trusted Resources: Stick to well-known sites like Petco Love Lost, and be cautious in social media groups.
- Be Skeptical of Money Requests: Never send money without solid proof, like receipts or photos, especially if you're pressured.
Losing a pet is heartbreaking, but staying vigilant and recognizing scams can prevent further stress. Trust your instincts, and always ask for proof before providing any personal info or money.
