How do I find out whether my lost pet is at a shelter?
Start with San Diego Humane Society’s official Lost & Found Pets page and choose the option for a lost pet. Follow its links to search found animals, and contact the shelter if you see a possible match. Also check which animal services provider covers the area where your pet went missing.
Search found animals, not just adoptable pets
Use the found-animal search linked from the lost-pet resources rather than relying only on adoption listings. Compare photos and descriptions with your pet’s size, markings and other distinguishing features.
For a possible match, save the listing link and note any animal identification number and location shown. Contact the shelter promptly and explain that you are trying to identify your missing pet.
Check the correct shelter or animal services provider
San Diego Humane Society does not provide animal services for every community in the county. Use the jurisdiction information linked from its Humane Law & Animal Protection page to identify the provider serving the area where your pet was lost or found.
If the location is near a service boundary or you are unsure which shelter to check, ask the provider which other agencies to contact. Do not limit your inquiry to the shelter closest to your home.
Have identifying information ready
When contacting a shelter, it is useful to have:
- Recent photos showing your pet’s face and distinctive markings.
- The species, approximate age, size, color and sex.
- The date and exact area where the pet went missing.
- A microchip number, license number or tag details, if available.
- Any animal identification number from a possible online match.
For San Diego Humane Society, call 619-299-7012 or use its official contact information. Ask staff to help confirm the match and identify the campus handling the animal.
If you find a possible match
Ask the shelter how ownership is verified, what documents or identification to bring, whether any reclaim fees apply and when you can collect your pet. Photos, veterinary records and microchip information may help establish ownership; confirm what the particular shelter accepts.
Check the correct pickup address and reclaim hours before traveling. For San Diego Humane Society, consult the Hours & Locations page and ask staff which entrance or service desk to use. Adoption hours are not necessarily the hours for reclaiming a lost pet.
If you do not find a match
Continue checking found-animal listings and follow the official instructions for reporting your pet missing. If you do not see your pet online, contact the relevant shelters for help checking their records.
If your pet is microchipped, contact the microchip company to report the pet missing and confirm that your contact details are current. Continue local searching alongside your shelter inquiries.