What to Do If You Find a Lost Pet in Denver – A Step-by-Step Local Guide

It happens more often than we’d like — you're out for a walk, headed to your favorite coffee shop, and suddenly a dog without a collar trots up to you. Or maybe a scared-looking cat darts under your porch and won’t come out. As pet lovers ourselves, we know how heartbreaking (and confusing) this can be.

Here’s what to do if you find a lost pet in the Denver metro area — step-by-step, with local resources to help reunite them with their family.

1. Check for Identification

First things first: Look for a collar with ID tags. If the pet is friendly and allows you to approach, see if there's a phone number or address you can call. Many pets in Denver are microchipped too, but you’ll need help from a vet or shelter to scan for that.

Helpful Tip: If there’s no ID, take a few photos — one close-up and one full body — in case you need to share online.

2. Keep the Pet Safe

If you’re able to, keep the pet in a secure area away from traffic and other animals. A quiet room, fenced yard, or even your car (with ventilation and supervision) can work short-term while you make calls.

If the animal is frightened, aggressive, or injured, call Denver Animal Protection at 720-913-1311 (press 6) for guidance before approaching.

3. Contact Local Shelters and Vets

Call or visit nearby shelters and vet clinics to report the found pet. Many people call shelters first when searching for a missing pet. You can also bring the animal in to have it scanned for a microchip.

Here are some key places in the Denver area:

Pro tip: Ask if they can post the pet’s photo in their lost-and-found book or online system.

4. Use Social Media and Lost Pet Networks

Social media can be surprisingly effective when time matters. Post on your local neighborhood Facebook group, or try these Denver-focused resources:

  • Nextdoor – Post in your neighborhood’s “Lost & Found” section

  • Petco Love Lost – A free image-matching tool for lost pets

  • Denver Lost & Found Pets (Facebook Group) – Thousands of local members

  • PawBoost – A national lost/found database with local alerts

Make sure your post includes:

  • Clear photos

  • Date/time and location the pet was found

  • Behavior (e.g., “very shy,” “loves treats”)

  • Your contact info (or that of the shelter holding the pet)

5. Check for Local Ordinances and Hold Times

In Denver, if you find a stray animal and plan to keep it at your home while looking for the owner, you’re generally expected to report it to Denver Animal Protection within 24 hours. They’ll help you through the legal process and let you know what happens if no owner comes forward.

6. Preventing Future Lost Pet Incidents

It’s tough to see how many pets go missing every year. As a local pet sitting company, we always stress the importance of microchipping, keeping ID tags updated, and making sure yards and leashes are secure.

If you’re ever heading out of town and need someone trustworthy to care for your pets (who will double-check all gates and collars), Denver Pro Pet Sitting is here to help. We care like you do.

Final Thought:
You may just be the reason someone’s best friend gets back home safely. A few minutes of action can make a lifetime of difference.

Have you ever found a lost pet? Share your story — and feel free to tag us if we can help spread the word!

Nelson