Found a Dog in North Carolina? We Can Help.
- 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, AARF, Forsyth Humane Society, or Animal Services (5570 Sturmer Park Cir., Winston-Salem, NC 27105), or check your local pet store to see if they can scan for a chip. Typically this is a free service.
- Post on www.nextdoor.com that you found a pet. Include a photo.
- Report the found pet with Forsyth County Animal Services through this link. They keep a lost and found list. Check back frequently as it changes daily.
- Post the pet on PawBoost of Winston-Salem, a free online lost and found service.
- 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 marking, 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.
- Most local TV stations have an online bulletin board where lost and found pets can be listed, like WXII 12 Pets in Winston-Salem. Email info about the found animal to pets@wx1112.com
- Check on Craigslist of Winston-Salem and other local areas.
- 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 Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Animal Service Division which is located at 5570 Sturmer Park Cir. Winston-Salem, NC 27105 in the Forsyth County Animal Shelter.
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 am until 6:00 pm
- Closed Sunday, Monday and holidays.
- The administrative offices can be reached by calling 336-703-2480, option 1 during normal business hours.
- You can also contact them through email for animal related complaints or problems.
- The dispatch center is available 24/7 by calling (336) 727-2112.
- The website for Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Animal Service Division is Forsyth County North Carolina
- If you find a stray pet in Guilford County but are unable to capture or bring the pet to the shelter, please contact animal control at 336-641-5990.
- If it is after hours for animal control and is not an emergency, please contact Guilford Metro at 336.373.2222. Select option 3 for non-emergency law enforcement, and ask them for help with the found pet.
The website for Guildford County Found Pets Found A Pet? | Guilford County, NC (guilfordcountync.gov)
What To Do If You’ve Lost Your Dog: A Step-by-Step Checklist
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
