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Lost Pet Services, Inc.
Remember, this pet could have a pet sitter who has not notified the owner it is lost. Pets can become very dirty and scraggly in just one day when running scared, especially during storms.
Someone may be frantically searching for the pet you found. Please be sure to do everything possible to get that pet home safe. We are here to help.
When you have found a pet, there are several steps to take to help it get reunited with its owners. Post to our Facebook group first!
We have over 63,000 members and we will rally to help you get this pet Home Safe! Go to: Lost and Found Pets 941 (Lost Pet Services)
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SOME FIRST STEPS - CONFINE THE PET
Strange animals are unpredictable and they will likely try to escape when they are in unfamiliar surroundings. Use leashes and pet carriers when walking or transporting pets. Be sure gates are locked if the pet is staying outside and all holes are blocked on fencing. Keep the found pet away from your pets. Remember, you are probably uncertain about his/her medical condition and history, reproductive capabilities, and personality.
WRITE DOWN A DESCRIPTION OF THE PET
Include pet type (dog, cat, bird, etc.), breed, sex, approximate age, size and colors. Add description collars, tags or other identifying marks.
CHECK FOR LICENSE OR ID TAGS
We can help with looking up license and ID numbers. Look up license tag numbers on PetData . Sarasota County tags cannot be looked up on PetData. You have to contact Dispatch at 941-316-1201 and they will get an officer to check the number. The license number is tied to the owner just like an ID tag.
PUT TEMPORARY ID ON THE PET
Put a collar, harness or bandanna on the pet and print the word "Found", the date and location where the pet was found, and your telephone number on it in the event the pet escapes.
SCAN FOR A CHIP - VERY IMPORTANT
Take the pet to any veterinarian’s office or Petsmart location to have the pet scanned for a chip. It is free. Also, check the pet for a tattoo which would be a mark given to them from a local shelter. It is extremely important to get the chip number for us.
Petsmart Locations:
Bradenton Store
4425 14th St West
Bradenton, Florida 34207
Telephone: (941) 753-2201.
Sarasota Store
4942 S Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida 34231
Telephone: (941) 923-7899
CALL - VISIT - REPORT TO ALL SHELTERS, ANIMAL SERVICES & VETERINARIANS
Animal Services and shelters are often the first place people call when they have lost their pet. Call or email all local agencies and report the found pet. Give them all the information about the pet – color of collar, any tags on the collar, if chipped, spayed or neutered, pictures, breed, etc.
ANIMAL SERVICES:
Manatee County: 941-742-5933 Ext 1 or 2 or Dial 311
Email Manatee Animal Services: kellie.frazier@mymanatee.org
Sarasota County: 941-861-9501
Email Sarasota Animal Services: lostandfound@sarasotasheriff.org
HUMANE SOCIETIES:
Manatee County: 941-747-8808 Ext. 314
Lakewood Ranch: 941-361-1071
Sarasota County: 941-955-4131
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HONOR ANIMAL RESCUE: (941) 747-4900.
** IMPORTANT **
Animal Services only keeps reports for 30 days.
After 30 days you must place a new report.
CHECK WITH NEIGHBORS / WALK THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Knock on doors in the neighborhood where you found the pet to see if someone has lost him/her or know who the pet belongs to. Walk around with the dog. Someone may be circling the area looking.
FILE A FOUND PET REPORT
Click this link to fill out this Found Pet Report. By submitting this form, you are giving consent for Lost Found Pets 941 to post the information you include (your phone number and email address) on Lost and Found Pets 941 Facebook page. This will help facilitate the possible reunion of a lost pet with their owner. Plus it will generate a free flyer for you to share.
TROUBLE UPLOADING THE PHOTOS?
If you are having trouble uploading the pet's photo on the form, please forward to Help@941LostPets.com . A good picture, preferably a full body picture of the pet is important for our posts on flyers and our Facebook group page.
CREATE / POST FLYERS
This is the #1 way most pets are reunited with their owners. We provide FREE flyers for all found pets.
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By filling in our Found Pet Report, a FREE flyer will be created especially for your pet. The flyer is made for high visibility to be seen easily at intersections by passing cars as well as handouts.
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Discount cards for Office Depot stores are available for printing flyers and supplies. If you make your own flyers, they should be kept simple and readable with a good phone number. If you print on Office Depot's least expensive card stock, you don't need sheet protectors. They are sturdy and basically waterproof. Otherwise, put paper copies in plastic sheet protectors with the opening at the bottom and be sure to staple in all four corners. Post it facing the direction of traffic.
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Give copies of your flyer to people that walk their dogs in the area. Dogs walking on leashes notice movement that people don’t. Staple or tape our flyer to a neon poster board with LARGE writing underneath for poster-size signs.
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KEEP YOUR CELL PHONE ON AT ALL TIMES
Please make yourself available for phone calls. The owner of the pet is probably frantically searching and needs to get a hold of you. Provide more than one number if you are unable to answer during work.
STAY CONNECTED- ONLINE
POST TO NEXTDOOR.COM
Nextdoor.com is a local neighborhood community web page and there is also an app. Many people who are not on Facebook post to nextdoor.com. We have had several dogs reunited using this method. Set up your nextdoor.com account for as many neighborhoods as you can.
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POST ON THE RING APP
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Even if you are not on the Ring app, you can post. Many people are using this app to post lost, found and pet sightings.
SOMEONE IS CLAIMING OWNERSHIP - NOW WHAT?
CONFIRM OWNERSHIP
When someone comes forward claiming ownership of the pet, be sure to get proof – pictures, vet records, pet license receipts, rabies tag receipts, adoption or sale paperwork. Ask them to describe a unique feature on the pet such as a lump, scar, or something that does not show in a picture. Never be afraid to ask.
If you are concerned about verifying ownership, make the exchange at a local police department. That will ensure you that the person is truly the pet's owner.
PLEASE FILL OUT A LOST / FOUND PET REPORT
THANK YOU FOR HELPING THIS PET TO SAFETY!
If you are having trouble uploading the found dog's photo on the form, please forward to Help@941lostpets.com
A good picture, preferably a full-body picture of the dog is important for our posts on flyers and our Facebook page.
By submitting this form, you are giving consent for Lost Found Pets 941 to post the information you include (your phone number and email address) on Lost and Found Pets 941 (Lost Pet Services) Facebook page. This will help facilitate the possible reunion of a lost pet with their owner.
Thank you for taking the time to help reunite this pet with their family!
Consent and Photo Use Disclaimer
By submitting a lost or found pet report to Lost Pet Services, Inc., you consent to Lost Pet Services sharing the information you provide for the purpose of helping reunite pets with their families. This may include posting your pet’s information, contact details, and photos on our social media platforms and our website.
By providing photos, you grant Lost Pet Services, Inc. permission to use those images in posts, alerts, and related materials that help locate pets, as well as in future graphics or educational materials related to our mission.
Lost Pet Services, Inc. is not a rescue organization and does not assume ownership or custody of any pets we assist. Our role is limited to helping facilitate communication and reunification.
By submitting this report or participating in efforts such as fostering, transport, or placement of pets shared through our pages or website, you agree to hold harmless and indemnify Lost Pet Services, Inc., its officers, directors, volunteers, and affiliates from any liability, damages, or expenses that may arise from your participation.
