I Found a Dog

Most dogs are found within one mile of their homes, and they are more likely to be reunited with their families if they stay in the neighborhood where they are found. Here’s how you can help this pet return home:

• Check for ID tags. If the pet is wearing a Contra Costa County license tag, visit https://www.petdata.com/ and enter the number in the “Tag Search” field to search for the owner’s contact information. You can also bring the dog to a vet to have it scanned for a microchip and, if needed, visit www.petmicrochiplookup.org to enter the microchip number and find the owner.

• Post a photo and description of the animal on social media. Some options include: NextDoor, Craigslist, Petco Love Lost, PawBoost, and surrounding neighborhood Facebook groups and local “Lost & Found Pets of [CITY NAME]” Facebook pages (for example, Contra Costa County’s Lost Pets or Fido Alert East Contra Costa County).

• Walk the dog around the neighborhood where it was found and ask neighbors for help. You can also create a Found Pet flyer and post it in the area or distribute it to doorsteps of homes nearest where the dog was found.

• Complete a Found Dog report with a photo and check Lost Dog listings .You will receive automated email notifications when an animal matching your request is reported lost in the area, and our lost and found volunteers may reach out to you for updates. Animals don’t know city limits, and it’s possible they may have been relocated from out of Contra Costa County, so file a found report with other shelters in the area, including Antioch, and visit our Resources page for additional hints and tips to increase the chance of getting your pet back home.

If you are unable to locate an owner, you are welcome to keep the found pet in your home, provided you file a found report, check for microchip/ID and make concerted efforts to locate the owner. If an owner does not come forward, you may be considered the legal owner per CCC Ord. 416-2.010 and after complying with applicable lost property laws in your jurisdiction. 

For more ideas, see our Lost & Found Resources Guide. If you aren’t able to safely secure the animal and provide for its care while looking for the owner, or you need help completing the forms on our website, our staff will be happy to assist you at 925-608-8400.

Additional Resources

See our Lost & Found Resources Guide.