Here are some guidelines to help you find your lost pet:

  1. Be Persistent!!!!! Often times, well meaning people will keep a lost pet at there house for an extended period before turning the dog or cat into the animal shelter.

  2. Call the Lost cat & Dog Line at 781-4407 EVERY DAY. This recording gives a complete list and descriptions of all the animals picked up and brought into the shelter during the preceeding 24 hour period. Call each day after 6:00pm for the most recent recording.

  3. Come to the Animal Shelter, only you can positively identify your pet. As much as we would like to help you, we cannot identify your animal over the phone.

  4. Contact the ARF Volunteer office at 781-4413. Our office hours are 1:00pm to 3:00pm Monday through Saturday, with a message recorder when we are out.

  5. Check the shelter at least every 72 hours. Unlicensed stray dogs and cats are only required to be held that long before they are euthanized. Most animals are never claimed, and if they cannot be adopted out, they are euthanized.

  6. Check Woods Humane Society. They except only owned animals, however, some well-meaning citizens will take found animals to them. They are located on Broad St in San Luis Obispo, near the airport. 543-9316.

  7. Send in a notice to your local newspaper or radio station. ARF volunteers can give current info on participating stations and papers.

  8. Make up fliers with your pets description (with a picture if possible), including sex, color, tags, collars or distinguishing characteristics, the area lost and your information for someone to contact you. Post the notices on supermarket bulletin boards, Animal Services Lost and Found Board, Woods Humane Society, schools, and leave them with nearby neighbors. If you live in an apartment complex, post notices by the mail boxes.

  9. If you have recently moved, leave notices with neighbors in your old neighborhood, and check with agencies in that area.

  10. If you have lost a purebred dog, check with the ARF volunteers for current Breed Rescue Clubs.

  11. Make sure that all current/correct information is on file for Dog License Tags and/or rabies tags and other traceable information.

  12. On foot, Check your area often. Also check the area at night. If your pet is in an area not familiar to it, it will only come out when it is quiet. If possible, leave an article of clothing in the area and check it at night to see if the animal responded.

  13. Above all...BE PERSISTENT!!!

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