🐾 lost pets

Is your pet lost? Take a deep breath. We're here to help you.

Having a missing pet is scary, but don't lose hope. Immediate action makes all the difference, and most lost pets are found surprisingly close to home. Follow these steps right away to give yourself the best chance of a quick reunion.

Search nearby on foot: Walk your immediate neighborhood and talk to anyone you see—neighbors, postal carriers, delivery drivers, and landscapers. Check cozy hiding spots, under decks, or places your pet would naturally wander toward.

Put out familiar scents: Place a few of your pet’s favorite things near your home's main entryways (front door, back porch, garage). Items like their bed, a blanket, unwashed clothing with your scent, or their litter box (for cats) can help guide them back home by scent.

What to do immediately

Next steps

1) Check local shelters & records

Update microchip info: Contact your pet’s microchip company immediately to ensure your current phone number and address are up to date. If a finder or vet scans them, this is how they'll reach you!

Contact local animal control & shelters: Call and visit local animal control agencies, city impounds, and rescue shelters in person. An in-person visit is always best so you can look for yourself and file an official lost report with your contact info.

2) Spread the word & search online

Sota Saves partners with Petco Love Lost, a national database that uses facial recognition tech to match lost pets with found animals. With this program you can:

  • Upload a photo of your pet to search local shelters and reported findings instantly.

  • Create a shareable "Lost Pet" listing to generate pre-made flyers you can print, email, or text.

Post on local social networks: Share your Petco Love Lost flyer on local Facebook groups (like Minnesota Lost Pets), Nextdoor, and Craigslist.

Hang bright, simple flyers: Print large, easy-to-read flyers with a clear photo, key details, and your phone number. Post them in high-traffic areas around your neighborhood.

3) Don’t give up!

Finding a lost pet can take time, but animals are resilient and neighbors are eager to help. Keep checking shelter listings daily, keep your posts updated, and stay hopeful!