Lost and Found Animals
Lost a Pet
If you’ve lost your pet, there’s help available to reunite you with them. Under the stray animal guidelines, all stray animals taken into RSPCA care are registered with Animal Search UK.
The Animal Search UK website is an independent online resource that allows you to:
Visit Animal Search UK to begin your search and take the first step toward bringing your beloved pet home.
Found a Dog
Stray dogs are the responsibility of local authorities, which are required to provide a dog warden service. If you come across a stray dog, you should contact your local council as soon as possible to report it. Many councils have an out-of-hours number for emergencies, so you can reach them even outside regular hours. When reporting a stray, it’s important to provide as much detailed information as possible, such as the dog’s location, appearance, and behaviour, to help the council locate and manage the situation effectively.
If you come across a sick or injured dog and it is safe to do so, it’s important to take the animal to a local vet for immediate care. When handling the dog, be cautious and approach slowly to avoid causing further stress or injury to the animal, or to yourself. If the dog is approachable and calm, carefully secure them in a pet carrier or by using a leash to transport them safely to the vet. If the dog is fearful or aggressive, it’s better to contact a professional for help rather than attempting to handle the situation yourself.
For additional support, you can contact the National Cruelty and Help Line at 0300 1234 999. Keep in mind that the National Society may not be able to respond immediately due to high call volumes, so taking the dog to a vet is often the quickest way to ensure they receive the care they need.
Helping a stray dog can make a significant difference in its life, ensuring it receives the care and support it needs. Thank you for taking action to protect animals in your community.
Found a Cat
Stray cats are often similar to pets, as they likely lived in a home and were cared for by people at some point. These cats may have been abandoned, become lost, or left their home due to being unhappy there. Now free-living, stray cats spend much of their time outdoors. While many are content with this lifestyle, without someone to ensure their safety and well-being, they can suffer from injuries or health problems.
It’s important to determine if a cat you believe to be a stray actually has an owner. Cats with owners are sometimes mistaken for strays, so try to locate their owner by asking a local vet to scan the cat for a microchip. If the cat is approachable and friendly, they are more likely a stray or a lost pet. Conversely, if the cat is not friendly or approachable, it may be feral. Feral cats are generally able to care for themselves and live happily outdoors, provided they are healthy.
If you find a cat that appears sick or injured, and it is safe to do so, consider taking the animal to a local vet for immediate assistance. Approach the cat carefully to avoid causing additional stress or injury to the animal or yourself. If the cat is approachable and friendly, gently secure them in a pet carrier or box with ventilation for transport. If the cat is fearful or aggressive, it’s best to seek professional help rather than attempting to handle them yourself.
For further assistance, you can also contact the National Cruelty and Help Line at 0300 1234 999. Please note that the response may not be immediate due to the high number of calls received, so taking the cat to a vet may be the quickest way to get them the help they need.
