Have you lost a pet in the Triangle? Here’s what to do to find your beloved furry friend
The Animal Humane Society estimates 1 in 3 pets will go missing at some point in their life.
It can be a terrifying experience to realize a pet has slipped out the door, off its collar or run off. It can be equally scary to see a pet running through a neighborhood, not knowing if it will make it home.
The key is to not panic, to take precautions before an emergency happens and to follow this advice.
If you find a lost pet
First, approach a lost animal only if it is safe to do so.
Check for a collar or identification tag. Some tags have phone numbers or the address of the pet’s owner. A rabies tag has numbers that can be traced back to the veterinarian that issued the tag. You can search the ID code on the state’s website: epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/rabies/figures.html#3
The animal might have a microchip. If you can leash or pick up the animal, take it to a local shelter or veterinary clinic to have it scanned.
Put a sign outside your home stating you’ve found a pet. People searching for their animal may see it and reach out. You can also put up signs around your neighborhood. If someone comes to claim the animal, ask for photos of the animal or other proof of ownership.
Post on social media including on Nexdoor, the neighborhood-based social media website, and in lost pet Facebook groups. Large ones locally include Wake County Lost & Found and Lost & Found Pets of the Triangle, NC.
If you need to reach Animal Control
Call Animal Control to see if a pet you find has been reported missing. Depending on where you live you may need to call multiple agencies or another county.
There are five Animal Control agencies in Wake County:
- Wake County (covers unincorporated Wake County, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell and Zebulon): 919-856-6911
- Raleigh: 919-829-1911
- Cary: 919-319-4517
- Garner: 919-772-8810
- Holly Springs: 919-557-9111
Durham County Animal Control serves both the county and city. 919-560-0630.
Orange County Animal Control serves the county, Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough. 919-942-7387.
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office provides animal control services for the entire county. 919-542-7203.
There are several Animal Control offices in Johnston County. Reach out to their municipality to see if it offers Animal Control services.
Normally, you can bring a lost pet you have found to your county shelter, but call ahead to see if you need an appointment.
Before you lose your pet
There are some proactive steps you can take before a pet goes missing.
Make sure your pet has a microchip, usually the size of a gain of rice injected into the loose skin between an animal’s shoulders. If you’ve moved recently, be sure you’ve updated your address, phone number and other contact information. Even if your pet has a chip, place a tag on their collar with your phone number and address.
Never let a pet off leash without being in a secured location, fix any holes in fences and keep gates locked.
Have head and full-body photos of your pets, as well as photos of distinguishing or unique marks.
After you lose your pet
Check nearby bushes, porches and decks, and let your neighbors know you are missing your pet. Put up a sign near your house with a photo of your pet with a phone number in case the animal is found nearby. Be prepared to answer unlisted calls.
Contact the microchip company to report your animal is lost and update your contact information, if you haven’t recently. You can also contact your veterinarian to report your pet is missing in case rabies tags are used to try and locate the animal.
Call your local Animal Control and check your local animal shelter to see if your pet has come in. If you live near a city or county line, contact nearby shelters and Animal Control offices.
Post signs in your neighborhood and on social media, including on Nextdoor and in pet-focused Facebook groups.
If possible, have one person stay home in case the pet returns home or if the animal is found, while another person goes out to look for it. A person can shake a bag of favorite treats to try and lure the animal home. People can also grill hotdogs, bacon or steaks to try and lure the pet home with an enticing smell.
It might also be helpful to leave an unwashed piece of clothing the pet owner has worn recently and leave it outside in a covered area so the pet can find a familiar smell.
This story was originally published February 17, 2025 at 7:00 AM.
