Lost and Found

Animal Lost and Found Services

Welcome to West Valley Humane Society’s Lost and Found service. If you’ve lost your beloved pet, need to report a lost pet, or need to reclaim a lost pet, we’re here to help you navigate the process.

I Lost My Pet

Losing a pet can be a distressing experience, but we’re dedicated to reuniting you with your furry family member. Follow these steps to help you through the process:

  • Search for Your Lost Pet:  Use our online tool to search through our database of found animals. We update this database quickly after an animal arrives at the shelter.  If you are missing a pet that is not in the shelter, please fill out a Lost Report using the links below. PetcoLove.org will use facial recognition technology to inform you if your missing pet ever comes into the shelter.  Please make a new report every 30 days that your pet is missing.
  • Reclaiming Your Pet:  If you find your pet in our records, you’ll need to reclaim them. To complete the reclaim process, please ensure you have the following:
    • Proof of Ownership: 

      To establish ownership, you can use any of the following methods:

      • Microchip: The most effective way to prove ownership.
      • Veterinary Records: Proof of medical care for your pet.
      • Photos: A set of five photos showing your pet over time.
      • Bill of Sale: If you received your pet from a shelter, rescue, or breeder.
      • Permission Letter: If you’re reclaiming a pet for a family member or friend.
  • Reclaim Fees:  Reclaim fees vary and are determined based on several factors, including your pet’s vaccine records, whether they have been altered, and local city licensing. You can find detailed pricing on our Pricing page.
  • Shelter Vaccines:  Upon intake, all animals receive booster vaccines. These vaccines help protect your pet from common illnesses in a shelter environment and limit the spread of contagious diseases.
  • Rabies Vaccination:  All reclaimed pets are required to have a current rabies vaccination.
  • City Licensing:  If you live in Nampa or Caldwell, you may need to purchase a dog license when reclaiming your pet. Licensing fees vary based on your pet’s spaying/neutering status and microchipping.
  • Holding Period:  We hold canines for five business days, excluding weekends and holidays. If your dog isn’t claimed within this time, they will be assessed for adoption. Cats do not have a specified holding time; their stay duration depends on shelter capacity.
  • Important Note:  Please note that our animal control collaborates with the shelter to help reunite lost pets. However, Animal Control and West Valley Humane Society are not the same entity and offer different services. If your pet was brought to the shelter, it was either by a concerned citizen or through Animal Control, not through shelter staff directly.

Report a Lost Pet

Reporting your lost pet is a crucial step in the process of reuniting with your furry friend. To get started, you can use one or both of the following methods for reporting your lost pet:

The more information you provide, the better we can assist in the search for your beloved animal.

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