According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), less than 2 percent of lost cats and only 15 to 20 percent of lost dogs are returned to their owners. Most of these lost pets were identified with tags, tattoos or microchips. Microchips are affordable and available at most County Shelters or Private Animal Shelters Like Peggy Adams.
How to File a Lost or Found Report in Palm Beach County
For lost or found dogs, file a report with Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League and with Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control.
File a lost or found report with Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League by clicking HERE
File a lost or found report with Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control by clicking HERE
How Does Lost and Found Work?
If the County receives a lost dog, they check for a microchip and identification tag. If they find either a chip or a tag they begin tracking down the owner. Too often, they find that owners haven’t kept their microchip information up-to-date. When that happens, they call Animal Care and Control to see if they have a record of the microchip. If there is a veterinarian listed on the microchip record they’ll call them too.
Peggy Adams holds a lost dog a minimum of four business days, not including the day of intake, after which time they are evaluated for the adoption program. If these animals are at Peggy Adams and their owner does not claim them, they may qualify for their adoption program.
Found a dog?
Stray dogs and cats should be taken to either Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control or Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League.
Animal Care and Control
561-233-1200
7100 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, FL
Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
*The shelter is closed for major holidays.
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League
3200 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL
Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
How to Look for Your Lost Dog
- File a report on Pawboost
- Visit all area shelters every four to five days.
- You can also visit Pet Harbor and Lost Pet USA to complete a lost dog report and upload photos of your lost dog. These reports are e-mailed to all participating shelters.
- Tell your neighbors that your dog is lost.
- Notify your veterinarian and all local veterinarians in your immediate area.
- Place flyers in their offices with a clear description of your dog and a current photo. Create a flier on this website.
- Post “Lost” flyers in your neighborhood if allowed.
- Place an ad in your local newspaper in the classifieds’ Lost and Found section. Usually they will provide this service at no charge.
- Check bulletin boards and newspapers for a listing for “Found” animals.
- If you have moved or changed your phone number, update your rabies license tag by calling (561) 233-1200 and notify your microchip company.
- Always keep an identification tag on your dog’s collar including your phone number. Inexpensive metal identification tags with your name and phone number remain the best way to get your dog back if they ever become lost!
- Even if your dog is microchipped and always kept inside they should still wear a collar and identification tag in the event they accidentally get out.
- Most importantly, don’t give up! Dogs can be found weeks, months, even years after going missing.
- Submit a lost listing on our website and with Animal Care and Control.