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Advice Given from a Lost and Found Volunteer
What to do if you have lost or found an animal
1. The first call for anyone losing a dog should be to check the microchip database to make sure all contact information is up to date
2. Then contact the local dog warden and let them know.
3. Then post on the Doglost website as they will email all local helpers registered there.
4. Then hit social media - with PUBLIC posts.
5. Search for local public lost/found groups and share one post into as many as they can find, better to put a public post on their profile and share that rather than post separately in several groups because when an edit is made on their original post all the shared ones will show that info too. Otherwise, they need to go and edit each one individually. Once posted in groups they will get lots of support and/or advice too which can be a bit overwhelming.
Lost, found & Feral Cats:
Lost a cat? Or found a stray cat and you're not sure what to do next? Read our guide on lost, found, and feral cats.
**Five important things**
- It is important to remember that even cats with a regular routine can disappear for days at a time - don't panic!
- Feral cats are the same species of cat as our pet cats but are not socialised to humans - this means they behave like wild animals. Approach with caution.
- Make sure your cat is microchipped and the information is kept up to date. Your cat should be easily identifiable so that their owner can be traced.
- Stray cats found on the street aren't always without owners. Before you do anything, it is important to check whether the cat is owned or not.
- If you're worried about the health of a stray cat, call your local animal welfare organization.
**Lost cats**
While cats are inclined to wander, you might start to worry if your cat goes missing completely. Cats are notorious for hiding in small spaces, so it's well worth checking your house and garden before you search anywhere else.
**Feral cats**
While feral cats are the same species of cat as pet cats, they are not socialised to humans or the domestic environment and can behave like wild animals. Feral cats can be hard to spot as they find humans naturally threatening. If you need to approach them, do it with caution!
**Found a cat?**
Cats can often appear lost and wanting food - this doesn't necessarily mean they are a stray! If the cat appears to be a healthy weight and well-groomed, it might be owned. Ask your neighbours if they recognise the cat, or post a photo on local community groups.
If there are no visible signs of ownership, take the cat to your local vet clinic so that they can check for a microchip.
**Stray cats**
A stray cat might be nervous or even sick or injured, so be careful in your approach. One of the safest ways to move the cat is to carefully cover it with a blanket before putting it in a safe cat carrier. You'll be keeping the cat safe as well as shielding yourself from potentially sharp claws.
If the cat is a genuine stray and you can't get in touch with the owner, you might need to keep the cat safe. Look for guidance on building a cat shelter to keep the cat warm and sheltered from the elements.
**What to do if you find a dead cat**
Finding a dead cat can be a distressing experience, and it might not always be clear if the cat is stray or owned. If you're not sure whether the cat is dead, it is important to get the cat to a vet immediately. Wrap them in a towel, taking care not to injure them further.
If the cat is dead, take them to your nearest vet so that they can scan the microchip for proof of ownership. If you can't get in contact with your local vet, try a local animal welfare organization.
**Rehoming a cat**
If you don't have any luck in finding an owner for the cat, give your local animal welfare organization a call. They can provide details of a lost and found register. Unfortunately, in some cases, the cat might have been abandoned, and if no owner is found, the organization will endeavour to find them a loving home.
Contact numbers for anyone who has lost an animal
Vets
Quantock Vets – 01278 450080
Castle Farm Vets – 01278 459913
Blake Vets –01278 451592
Evolution Farm Vets –01278 734828
Farm Vets Southwest –01278 663399
Polden Hills Vets –01278 722088
Black Rock Vets –01278 786602
Microchipped?
Petlog (UK lost & found pets)
Rescue Centres
Wrantage
St Giles Kennels & Cattery –01823 490333
Taunton / Wellington
Cats Protection –03000 12 12 12
Helpful Lost & Found Pet Resources
Lost Dogs & Dog Warden Information
DogLost (UK lost & found dogs):
https://www.doglost.co.uk/Animal Wardens – Dog Warden Phone Numbers:
https://www.animalwardens.co.uk/all-dog-warden-phone-numbers/
This site lists dog warden contacts. It is also best to check your local council website, as many councils have online reporting forms.
Local & National Facebook Support Groups
Somerset Stray Dogs Group:
https://www.facebook.com/share/mj5dupUqvQN2kN1S/Drone SAR for Lost Dogs UK:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/DroneSARForLostDogsUK/?ref=shareAscend Drones:
https://www.facebook.com/share/18VG1W9Q6X/Animal Friends and Rescue Support Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/375603393122288/
Pet Safety & Identification
SafePetz – QR Code Pet ID Collars:
https://safepetz.co.uk/
SafePetz offers personalised pet ID collars with a unique QR code linked to your pet’s online profile. If your pet goes missing, the finder can scan the code to help reunite you quickly using geo-location services
Google Sites
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