Chicago Animal Care & Control receives over 8,000 stray animals a year. It’s common for people to bring healthy animals directly into the shelter before first trying other outlets to get them back home. 

Did you know?

70% of lost dogs are found less than a mile from their home? In the city, it’s often within blocks.

Cats seen outside may be someone’s indoor/outdoor pet or a community cat that lives nearby. Research shows that cats are over 13 times more likely to be reunited with their owners if left in place rather than taken to a shelter.

You can help decrease the number of stray animals flooding shelters.  

Steps to take when you found a pet strayed from home 

1. Check for collar/tag  
2. Walk (or drive) the pet around the area you found them to see if someone is looking for them 
3. Ask neighbors, mail carrier if they know about the animal  
4. Use social media sites. Snap a pic and post on Facebook (local community pages, Lost Dogs Illinois), NextDoor, and other social media sites.
5. Check for a microchip at a vet office, police station (every district has at least one scanner), or animal shelter.
6. File a found pet report at 24 Petconnect, pet FBI, Pawboost, and Petco Love Lost
7. If no owner can be located, the animal can be brought to CACC during the hours of 3pm-7pm.

Steps to take when you lost a pet: 

1. Walk around the area your pet was lost in case they are close by  
2. Check out our website which lists the animals at our facility: www.24petconnect.com/chgoall (If you found your pet, see further information below).
3. Share a photo and details on Facebook, NextDoor, and other social media sites. 
4. File a found pet report at 24 Petconnect, pet FBI, Pawboost, and Petco Love Lost. Make sure to provide your contact info to ensure that you can respond to any sightings promptly. 
5. Put up flyers in the area where the pet was lost.   
6. If your animal is microchipped, make sure to call the microchip company to report the animal missing.
7. If possible, place a pet bed, blanket, or article of clothing outside, they may be able to pick up their or your scent and find their way back home.

When you found a critically sick or injured stray:   

• Bring the sick or injured stray into the shelter – we are open 3pm-7pm daily.  
• Call 311 City Services or 312-744-5000 to make a report if you cannot bring the animal to the shelter.

When you have found a cat:

Removing a cat that from its environment with no sign of illness or injury puts that cat and every other cat in the shelter at risk, reduces the chances of owner reunification, and redirects resources away from cats that truly need our help. For more information, please check out our Outdoor Cat Flyer  

 When you have found a litter of kittens:

• If you see a litter of kittens, don’t grab them immediately. Their mother may be out hunting for food.
• Leave the area. Their best chance of survival is with their mother.

If you locate your pet at our shelter, please follow these steps: 

1. If you think you have found your pet or to request an in-person lost pet tour, please visit the facility between 12pm-6pm to verify and claim ownership.  
2. Please bring the following information if applicable: 
   1. A government issued photo ID
   2. ID number for animal that you believe is your pet 
   3. Proof of ownership – such as vaccination/veterinary records and pictures. 
   4. Current rabies certificate if applicable
   5. Proof of spay/neuter if applicable

If you find wildlife, please refer to our Field Services button for more information and to read our Wildlife Management and Co-Existence Plan. 

Lastly, we want to remind everyone that microchips and tags work! Pets with microchips are 3x more likely to get back home.