Lost & Found
For online Lost / Found Pet Searches, please go to www.PetHarbor.com
The most rewarding task Cumberland County Animal Control personnel do is return a
lost pet to its owner. Unfortunately the vast majority of the animals impounded
do not have an ID tag. Pet owners may feel that their pets do not need an ID because
they will never get out of their yard...but unexpected things happen. A door or
gate is left open and then the pet is gone! Making sure a pet has an ID tag of some
type, with the owners name, address and phone number on it, is a small cost to pay
for the knowledge that if the pet becomes lost, there is a way the owner can be
notified.
Cumberland County Animal Control is asking pet owners to put a personal ID tag, rabies
tag (required by law for all pets), license tag (required by law, for all dogs over
four months old), microchip, tattoo, or any device on their pet to better help shelter
personnel identify and return your lost pet. If the pet has an ID tag with the proper
address and name on it, Cumberland County Animal Control personnel will most likely
take the pet home instead of to the shelter.
Your help is needed in spreading the word. More animals with tags means that more
animals will make it home again. It also means that with fewer lost animals taking
up shelter space, truly homeless animals will have a better chance of being adopted.
Give your pets (dogs and cats alike) an ID tag -- A Gift Of Love!
What to do if your pet is lost...
- Search your own neighborhood, thoroughly.
- Stop by or call the Cumberland County Animal Shelter to see if your pet has been
impounded. Call all other humane societies, animal care and control agencies and
protection organizations.
- Place a classified ad in the Lost & Found in the paper -- it's FREE (call 678-9000
or 1-800-345-9895)! Remember, when placing the ad to leave out one identifying aspect
of your pet, so that you will know for sure when someone calls if it is legitimate.
- Place posters in your neighborhood, local shopping center, churches, veterinarian
offices, grocery stores, community centers, etc.
- DO NOT despair, or lose hope...go to your local animal shelter daily. Many times
an animal that has been found will not be taken to a shelter right away...so keep
checking at your local shelters. Do Not just call, you should go to the shelter and
look for yourself. Only you know your pet!
- Question neighbors, children, postal and newspaper carriers, garbage collectors
and anyone else you can think of...ask them to keep a look out for your pet.
- DO NOT let weeks go by before looking for your pet. It is not Animal Control's responsibility
-- it is your responsibility to look for your pet.
- Finding your pet in a timely manner requires a lot of effort on your part, but all
of your effort will be rewarded when your pet is returned to you quickly and unharmed!
- DO NOT wait...make sure you get an ID tag for your pet! This will save you the uncertainty
and anguish if your pet should become lost.
What to do if you find an animal...
- Call the Cumberland County Animal Shelter at 321-6852 to find out if the animal
has been reported as missing. You will be given the name and telephone number of
the possible owner.
- If the animal has a rabies tag, call the veterinarian on the tag. They will be able
to identify the animal through their records.
- Place a classified ad in the Lost & Found in the paper -- it's FREE (call 678-9000
or 1-800-345-9895)! Remember, when placing the ad to leave out one identifying aspect
of the animal, so that you can help determine legitimate calls.
- Place posters in your neighborhood, local shopping center, churches, veterinarian
offices, grocery stores, community centers, etc.
- Check with neighbors to see if they have lost or know of anyone who has lost a pet.
Do not describe all aspects of the animal, just give the basics. When a possible
owner calls have them give you more identifying aspects of the animal (his name,
any markings that are unique, etc.), that way you will be sure that the animal actually
belongs to them.
