You Did the Right Thing.
Finding a lost or stray animal can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. These steps can help you keep them safe while giving them the best chance of getting home.
Take a breath. You are already helping.
Even stopping to check on an animal is a meaningful first step. Whether they are friendly, nervous, injured, or simply unsure, your kindness can help them get back home safely.
Look for identification first.
Identification is often the fastest way to reunite an animal with their guardian.
Collar or ID tag
If the animal has a tag, it may include their guardian’s phone number or address. If there is a municipal tag, contact local SPCA or animal control for help tracing it.
Microchip
You can take the animal to your nearest veterinary clinic or animal shelter to check for a microchip, free of charge.
Ear tattoo
If the animal has an ear tattoo, contact your nearest animal shelter or vet clinic to trace the tattoo number. If it is hard to read, a clinic or shelter may be able to help.
Other tattoos
Some animals may have a breeder tattoo on their abdomen or inside leg. Contact a veterinary clinic for guidance, as these are often only traceable through the original breeder.
Share a clear photo and check lost pet listings.
Take a good photo and include the location found, date, description, and any other helpful details. Please avoid sharing every identifying detail so the true guardian can provide proof of ownership.
Lost and Found Chilliwack
Post and search local lost and found pet updates.
Chilliwack Missing Pets
Share found pet details and check local missing pet posts.
Missing Pets in BC
Reach a larger provincial lost and found pet network.
BC SPCA PetSearch
Search and create lost or found pet postings.
Craigslist
Check local lost and found listings.
Lost Cat Behaviour
Helpful information from the Missing Animal Response Network.
They may belong close to where they were found.
Talk to neighbours
Neighbours may recognize the animal. Take a photo, ask around, and kindly check if anyone knows where they belong.
Put up posters
Include a photo, description, location found, and your contact information. Post around the neighbourhood, local stores, parks, and vet offices.
Create or post through BC SPCA PetSearch
Report the animal as found.
Let local animal services know you have found an animal. If you can safely hold onto them while the guardian is located, mention that. If not, ask where they should be taken.
Local shelters and rescues
Report the found animal so shelters can check against lost reports.
Animal control
Contact animal control for guidance, especially if you cannot safely keep the animal.
Veterinary clinics
Vet clinics can scan for a microchip and may recognize the animal from their records.
Found the guardian?
Please update any social media posts, remove posters, and let shelters, groups, or services you contacted know that the animal is no longer lost.
Contact Safe HavenMore resources from Safe Haven
These pages can help guide your next step.
