Lost or Found a Pet?
Act quickly. Taking the right steps right away gives you the best chance of a safe reunion.
Lost Your Pet?
The most important thing you can do is take action immediately. Below are the steps we recommend.
1. Contact Berkeley Animal Care Services
Call (510) 981 - 6600 to see if your pet has been found.
Continue calling every two to three days.
If your pet is not at the shelter, ask to complete a lost report.
If you later find your pet, notify the shelter so they can update their records.
2. Check Other Nearby Shelters
File lost reports with:
Berkeley Humane ➡ (510) 845 - 7735
East Bay SPCA Oakland Adoption Center ➡ (510) 569 - 0702
Oakland Animal Services ➡ (510) 535 - 5603
Jelly’s Place ➡ (510) 621 - 3493
The Milo Foundation ➡ (510) 900 - 2275
Hayward Animal Shelter ➡ (510) 293 - 7200
Contra Costa County Animal Services ➡ (925) 608 - 8400
3. Post Online
Create a “Lost” post with a photo and detailed description on:
Nextdoor
Craigslist
Include color, size, breed, and any distinguishing features.
4. Create & Distribute Flyers
Post clear flyers in your neighborhood with:
A recent photo
Accurate description
Your contact information
Notify neighbors directly whenever possible.
You can create flyers through:
5. Check Microchip Registration
If your pet is microchipped, report them missing to the microchip company immediately.
6. Search Strategically
For cats:
Check crawl spaces, garages, sheds, and storage areas.
Call for your cat during quiet times of day when they are more likely to respond.
Cats are often trapped in places where they’ve gone to hide.
For un-neutered pets:
Be prepared to expand your search area, as they may roam farther.
Found a Stray?
If you find a lost pet in Berkeley, Piedmont, Emeryville, or Albany:
1. Contact Berkeley Animal Care Services
Call (510) 981 - 6600 right away to give the pet the best chance of reuniting with their owner.
If the shelter is open, you may bring the animal in or request Animal Control assistance.
If closed, leave a message and call again as soon as they reopen.
2. Post Online
Post on Nextdoor with:
A clear description
A photo, if possible
Ask anyone claiming the pet to provide identifying details to confirm ownership. Update your post once the pet is reunited.
3. Scan for a Microchip
Take the animal to a local veterinarian or shelter to check for a microchip.
4. Report Welfare Concerns
If you are concerned about possible abuse or neglect based on the pet’s condition, inform the shelter.
If the animal is reclaimed and you have welfare concerns, Animal Control is the appropriate authority to address them.