I FOUND a stray pet

Step-by-Step Instructions on Dealing with a Stray Pet

• Check for ID

  If you can safely do so, check to see if the animal has a license or identification tag. Owners will often put a phone number directly on the tag or collar. You may be able to reunite the lost pet with its owner without having to call us.

• Call RASKC

  If the pet is wearing a Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) license tag, call the number on the tag (206-296-2712) and have the six-digit license number available. When you call, you will either reach our pet licensing staff or our automated voice response system. Give the license number to our staff, or enter the number when prompted by the automated system. You will be given the pet owner's phone number so you can contact them directly to return their pet.

• Check the database

  Check the Lost Pets database to see if the animal you found has been reported missing by its owner.

• Make a report

  If the animal is not aggressive and you would like to keep it in your home until its owner is located, click the Report a Found Pet button above. Please provide as much information as you can in your report, including a picture of the animal if possible. If you are unable to complete a Found Pet Report online, call us at 206-296-7387 and we will help you complete a report.

  Note: All pets should be scanned for a microchip and a picture should be provided to help get them home. Many veterinary clinics will scan a stray pet for a microchip at no charge upon request. If you are not able to upload a picture when submitting a Found Pet Report, please bring the animal to the Pet Adoption Center in Kent. We will take a picture and scan the animal for a microchip.

• Bring pet to the shelter

  If you are unable to keep the animal in your home, bring it to the Pet Adoption Center in Kent or your local animal shelter. Since we are the animal control provider for much of King County, most owners will check our facility first. We will hold the pet through its stray holding period. If unclaimed, the animal's temperament and health will be assessed for entry into our adoption program.

• Need more help? Call animal control

  For your safety, do not attempt to approach an aggressive and/or scared animal. If you can safely contain the lost animal in your yard, your garage, or a kennel, please call us at 206-296-7387 and one of our animal control officers will pick the animal up. Animal control officer hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. seven days a week.