Lost Pets & Strays

I LOST MY PET

If you have a lost dog or cat:

Time is of the essence in reporting a lost pet. Many people take a found pet inside their home or yard and don't notify a shelter. Don't give up - it sometimes takes weeks to be reunited.

1. Check the neighborhood first, asking if your pet has been seen.
2. Find photos of the pet that shows the face and body markings.
3. Please complete the online "Lost Pet" form and include a photo.
4. Notify your pet's microchip company to flag the pet as lost, and update your contact information. If you adopted from WCAC, your dog or cat should be microchipped. If you don't know your pet's microchip info, please contact us.
5. Register and upload a head shot of your lost pet to FindingRover.com a photo facial recognition system.
6. After filling out the lost pet report, please also post your pet on neighborhood social media and neighborhood lost and found pet pages below. Be sure to include cross streets of the last known location.

NextDoor.com (specific only to your neighborhood)
Skippy Lou’s Lost and Found Pets (Facebook)
Franklin TN -Pets lost and found (Facebook)
Spring Hill TN Pets lost and found (Facebook)
Lost and Found Pets of Fairview TN (Facebook)
Lost & Found Pets of Nolensville (Facebook)
Tennessee Pets Lost and Found (Facebook)
Lost and Found Pets of Fairview, TN (Facebook)
Lost & Found Pets South Nashville, Lenox Village, Nolensville, Brentwood (Facebook)
Help Me Home Lost and Found Pets of Middle Tennessee (Facebook)

7. Post signs in your neighborhood.
8. Place pet-scented bedding out on your porch.
9. If you have lost your cat, follow these helpful tips. Don't forget to check nearby storm pipes and to also look up as cats sometimes run up trees when spooked. In that event, waiting for your cat to come down on their own or contacting an arborist may be able to help.
10. Follow WCAC on Facebook and Instagram for our "stray of the day" postings.
11. Check area shelters online and in person frequently.

Metro Animal Care and Control

Maury County Animal Services

Humane Society of Dickson

Rutherford County PAWS

Williamson County Animal Center does rent humane traps for cats for $50. It is refunded when the trap is returned.

Questions? Please call (615) 790-5590 ext. 3400

I HAVE FOUND A STRAY PET

IF YOU HAVE FOUND A DOG OR CAT IN WILLIAMSON COUNTY*

*Pets found in other counties are not accepted. You must prove residency or the location is in Williamson County.

Think LOST, not STRAY. Many animals never get back home because the finder assumes the animal has been abandoned or dumped, when in fact the animal has just accidentally gotten out. Their owner may be frantically looking for their pet but doesn't know the best way to go about looking. Pets that have been out for even a short time may start to look neglected and may appear frightened or skittish, giving the impression that they were abused or abandoned.

Remember: You can be a hero if you follow these steps, many pets will be reunited with their owners without a trip to the shelter. The shelter only accepts found pets (strays) Monday-Friday from 10am-to 6pm. NO STRAYS ACCEPTED SATURDAYS OR SUNDAYS.

*If a pet is aggressive, if you are physically unable to care for the pet or if the pet appears to need immediate vet care, please call (615) 790-5590 ext. 3400 or (615) 790-5757 (after hours)

STEPS TO REUNITE PETS & OWNERS:

1. Secure the pet, assess any injuries and provide water. Note the exact location you found the pet. If possible, walk the pet around the neighborhood, asking others if they recognize it.
2. Check for an identifying rabies tag or name tag. Call and text the owners. OR call WCAC with the rabies tag number.
3. Have pet checked for a microchip at WCAC, pet clinic, or pet store. If a check is found, use this link to find the registered owner.
4.Take a photo of the pet on good light. Get a front-on nose shot that shows the pet's face.
5. Please complete the Found Pet online form and include a photo.
6. Register and upload a head shot of the found pet to FindingRover.com, a facial recognition system.
7. Consider offering to hold the pet for a STRAYcation during the required 5 business day stray hold period. We can provide you with everything you need (Leash, bowl, food, crate, litter, and basic vaccinations).
8. After filling out the Found Pet form, please also post the found pet on neighborhood and local lost and found social media pages below. Tip. Do not mention gender or collar details. Remember, the goal is to locate the owner, not to rehome the pet. If you are contacted by another person directly claiming to be the owner, ask for proof of ownership before returning the pet. If you aren't sure what to do, contact WCAC for assistance.

9. Post signs in the neighborhood. Include a photo and your contact info or shelter where the pet has been taken.
10. If owner is not found, you may bring the stray to the shelter Monday-Friday from 10am-6pm.

Questions? Please call (615) 790-5590 ext. 3400

LOST AND FOUND RESOURCES

Found Orphan Kittens?

Lost Cat Behavior.

How to tell if a cat is homeless or cared for.

Owner Surrender Form
All surrenders of family pets require an appointment. Effective November 30, 2020, owner surrenders are limited to emergencies only. Please call 615-790-5590, ext. 3400 to speak with intake and schedule a time to come in. The completed owner surrender form should be brought to your appointment.