NC Pet Recovery Signs
- First, do not assume the animal is homeless. There’s a good chance they have a family who loves and misses them!
- Have the pet scanned for a microchip at any veterinarian’s clinic, Typically this is a free service.
- Post on www.nextdoor.com that you found a pet. Include a photo.
- Report the found pet with your local County Animal Services.
- Post the pet on PawBoost, Social Media and Nextdoor
- Take a photo of the dog but do not share gender.
- Be sure your image is close-up and clear.
- When listing on PawBoost, provide some identifying marks on the animal so that the owner would recognize their pet, but leave out some details (such as an unusual , the color of the collar, etc). The idea is to leave out a detail that only the owner would know, to avoid theft by the wrong person.
- Post a picture to Petco Love Lost.
- Post and distribute flyers with pictures at veterinary clinics, in your neighborhood, and at local adoption agencies. Ask your neighbors if they know the dog.
- Post your lost pet on Facebook. Here are some options:
- BE WARY of people too eager to either claim a pet or to take in a pet if the owner is not found.
- If someone reaches out to claim the animal:
- Always ask for proof of ownership. Examples include:
- Photo of the pet
- Vet records with a description
- Meet in a public place with another person.
- Always ask for proof of ownership. Examples include:
- If the owner of the pet is not found, see below for options on placing a pet for adoption through one of the local rescues.
- If you are unable to locate the owner, and cannot safely contain the animal short-term, call your local Animal Services
- (guilfordcountync.gov)
Quick Help To Rescue Pets
If your dog has gone missing, don’t panic — take action fast. The first 24–48 hours are critical.
✅ Step 1: Search Your Neighborhood
- Walk or drive the area immediately.
- Bring a leash, treats, and your dog’s favorite toy.
- Ask neighbors, mail carriers, and delivery drivers if they’ve seen your dog.
- Look under furniture, porches, in garages, drainage, pipes, or other possible hiding places. Be sure any microchip information is current.
✅ Step 2: Post on Social Media & Lost Pet Sites
- Share a clear photo with your dog’s name, last known location, and contact info.
- Post on:
- Local Facebook groups (e.g. Lost & Found Pets of NC, neighborhood groups)
- Nextdoor and Craigslist (Lost & Found)
- Petco Love Lost or PawBoost (This is a free online lost/found service. New animals are added daily, so check frequently. Note: make sure the picture you post is clear and current.)
- Update your posts regularly and respond quickly to any sightings.
✅ Step 3: Notify Local Animal Shelters & Vets
- Call nearby shelters, rescues, and animal control agencies to report your dog as missing.
- Provide a recent photo and description.
✅ Step 4: Create & Post Flyers
- Use bold, easy-to-read fonts.
- Include your dog’s photo, name, last location, and your phone number.
- Post at busy intersections, vet offices, gas stations, parks, and grocery stores.
- Best not to offer a reward, as the wrong people who do not know how to search for a missing pet will suddenly appear.
✅ Step 5: Keep Searching & Follow Up
- Check shelters in person daily if possible.
- Visit your county’s Animal Control/Shelter website.
- If you are in Forsyth County or think your pet might have been found in Forsyth County, visit the Animal Services website. Also report a lost dog at Animal Services website The best thing to do is to go to the facility itself or call 336-703-2480. The address is 5570 Sturmer Park Circle, Winston Salem, NC 27105
- Check the Forsyth Humane Society’s website.
- Most local TV stations have a public online bulletin board where you can post lost pets. In Winston-Salem, there is WXII 12’s “Lost and Found Pets in the WXII 12 Community.” (to list your lost pet, email your submission to pets@wxii12.com).
- Check and post on Petco Love Lost of Winston-Salem. It has a lost and found section. Check daily.
- Post your lost pet on Facebook. Here are some options:
- Helpful information, resources, and tips can be found online at www.missionreunite.org.
- For search tips on finding your cat, visit www.catsinthebag.org.
- If the missing pet is an indoor-only cat, it will be helpful to set humane traps near your home. Contact AARF at info@aarfws.org or call (336) 768-PETS (7387).
- Best site for clear, concise information regarding lost dogs and cats is www.missinganimalresponse.com
- Recommended NC trackers:
- Balynda Brown, Raleigh, NC
- Kevin Pence, Greensboro, NC
- Stacy Gang, Winston-Salem, NC
- Lynn Byrd, Winston-Salem, NC
- Mark Dove, Creedmoor, NC
- Epic Animal Recovery, nationwide with an affiliate in NC
