Chicago Lost Pets

Over 30,000 animals are taken into shelters yearly in the Chicagoland area, and unfortunately up to 75% of these animals are euthanisized.

Many of these animals are family pets who go unclaimed or are never accurately identified.

Prevention is the best method to reducing the amount of lost pets. Please mouse over the information to your left to learn how to reduce the likely hood of losing your pet.

Keep a Collar on Your Pet at all times, even when indoors. A pet has the best chance of being returned if wearing a collar with an ID tag including your name, address, and telephone number.

Invest in a microchip. Invest in a permanent method of pet identification such as microchips. Most shelters have a scanning device that immediately identifies the pet as belonging to you. Ask your local veterinarian about this and other methods of permanent identification.

Spay/neuter your pet. Spaying or neutering eliminates your pet's reproductive instincts and reduces the likelihood of straying from home to search for a mate. Low cost spay/neuter clinics can be found throughout the city of Chicago.



   Lost cost spay/neuter programs are offered by Anti-Cruelty and PAWS Chicago. Check with your local veterinarian for spay/neuter options and local programs in your area.

Maintain Up-To-Date Information on Your Pet. Always have current high quality color photos and a written description of your pet available in case of emergencies. This information can also be used in case your pet is missing or during emergencies such as natural disasters, fires or floods. Keep this information on file at home, with your veterinarian, and with other family members.

Never leave your pet unattended while outdoors, even in a fenced-in yard. This reduces the likelihood of your pet jumping or digging under a fence, and also reduces the chance of your pet being stolen while unattended.

Never Leave Your Pet Tied Up and unattended in a public place such as a store, car or park. There is a documented problem of dog theft rings operating in Chicago. An unattended dog is an open invitation to one of these criminals.

Be aware of Strangers in your neighborhood, especially if they engage in unusual conversation about your pet, such as asking questions about your pet's bloodline, behavior and spay/neuter status. Immediately report individuals engaging in this activity to your local police as well as animal shelters.

Contact all local pet shelters and rescues within a 60-mile radius of your location to report your lost pet and to network with professionals experienced with lost pets in the Chicagoland area.

If your dog is a certain breed, make sure to contact breed specific rescues.
Stay in touch with local shelter and rescue organizations. Often lost pets are moved into rescue organizations if deemed adoptable, and most rescues continue working to find the original home while trying to find a new adoptive home.