Lost and Found
“I found a cat or dog – What can I do?”
Step 1: Check for a Microchip
- If the pet has a microchip, you have been provided with the microchip number and company details.
- Contact the microchip company to report the pet as found. The company may be able to contact the owner for you.
- If the owner is found, arrange for meeting in a safe place like a police station.
Step 2: Report the Found Pet
- Report the pet to Miami-Dade Animal Services (MDAS). MDAS is the official lost and found pet database for our area. · Visit: www.miamidade.gov select “Animals & Pets” under “Services”
- Call: #311 or 305-468-5900
Step 3: Finding the Owner
- Check for lost pet flyers in your area.
- Walk the pet around the neighborhood on a leash to see if anyone recognizes them.
- Post on lost pet websites and social media:
- PawBoost, Nextdoor, Craigslist, Facebook lost pet groups
- Flyers in your neighborhood and vet offices can also help!
- If an owner comes forward (not through the microchip), ask for any proof of ownership to make sure they are actually the owner.
Step 4: If You Cannot Keep the Pet
- Post on rehoming platforms.
- Contact MDAS and local rescues regarding intake of a stray/found animal.
- Miami Dade Animal Services
- 3599 NW 79th Ave, Doral, FL 33122 311 or (305) 468-5900
- Paws 4 You Rescue
- 8717 SW 134th St, Miami, FL 33176 (305) 842-1914
- This Is The Dog! Rescue
- 19505 SW 134th Ave, Miami, FL 33177 (305) 508-7387
- Humane Society of Broward County
- 2070 Griffin Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 (954) 989-3977
- Broward County Animal Services
- 2400 SW 42nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 (954) 359-1313
- Miami Dade Animal Services
Step 5: If You Want to Keep the Pet
- Legally, you must report the found pet to MDAS and wait for the required holding period.
- After the hold period, if no owner comes forward, you may adopt the pet.
- Miami Dade Animal Services will guide you on the exact steps to finalize the adoption correctly. Be sure to vaccinate, microchip, and license your new pet.
“I lost my pet – What can I do?”
Step 1: Report Your Lost Pet
- File a lost pet report with Miami Dade Animal Services (MDAS). MDAS is the official lost and found pet database for our area.
- Visit: www.miamidade.gov select “Animals & Pets” under “Services”
- Contact: #311 or (305) 468-5900 | 3599 NW 79th Ave, Doral, FL 33122
Step 2: Search Local Shelters
- Check if your pet is currently in a local shelter. If there is a match, you will need to provide proof of ownership (vet records, photos, microchip registration, etc.)
- Visit Miami-Dade Animal Services (MDAS) and other local shelters in person and online.
- Miami Dade Animal Services
- 3599 NW 79th Ave, Doral, FL 33122 311 or (305) 468-5900
- Paws 4 You Rescue
- 8717 SW 134th St, Miami, FL 33176 (305) 842-1914
- This Is The Dog! Rescue
- 19505 SW 134th Ave, Miami, FL 33177 (305) 508-7387
- Humane Society of Broward County
- 2070 Griffin Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 (954) 989-3977
- Broward County Animal Services
- 2400 SW 42nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 (954) 359-1313
- Miami Dade Animal Services
- Post on lost pet websites & social media:
- PawBoost, Nextdoor, Craigslist, Facebook lost pet groups
- Include a clear photo, pet’s name, last known location, and contact details.
Step 3: Check Daily
- We cannot match animals based on descriptions alone unless the pet has a microchip.
- Keep checking our website and visiting in person as new animals arrive daily.
Step 4: Search the Area
- Walk or drive around where your pet was last seen.
- Bring their favorite treats, toys, or bedding to lure them back.
- Alert neighbors, mail carriers, and delivery drivers to be on the lookout.
Step 5: Use Flyers
- Post large, brightly colored flyers with a clear photo and contact information.
- Focus on areas where people walk their dogs, vet offices, and pet stores.
Step 6: Beware of Scams
- Never pay a “finder” before confirming they have your pet.
- Be cautious of people demanding money to return your pet.
Step 7: Understand the 4-Day Stray Hold
- Lost pets brought to any shelter have a mandatory 4-day hold before they can be adopted.
- After the hold, the pet may be placed for adoption, so act quickly!
Please note: We vaccinate all stray animals upon arrival out of good faith. If an animal is being reclaimed, there will be a reimbursement fee requested for the vaccinations.
