FOUND A PET?
KITTENS
ADULT CATS
While we encourage all members of the public and adopters to keep their cats indoors, there is still a large population of owned cats allowed to go outdoors. Cats are legally allowed to roam free in the City of Alameda.
Does the cat have a collar, harness, or other indicator of ownership? Have you seen this cat in the neighborhood before?
If yes, please check the collar and tags to see if you can call the owner. Most indoor-outdoor cats have a territory of 0.01 miles so they might not be far from home. If the cat is not in distress, appears well groomed, and is in a safe location, it is likely fine and hanging out in its neighborhood. Please leave it there!
If the cat is not in distress, in a safe location, and well-kempt overall, but seems fearful and avoids contact, hides or darts upon your approach and has a tipped ear, it might be feral and should be left alone. For more information on distinguishing feral cats from stray cats, please visit https://www.alleycat.org/resources/feral-and-stray-cats-an-important-difference/
Does the cat appear to be in distress (yowling, anxious, unkempt, injured or ill)?
If so and the cat allows you to handle it, it is likely owned and lost. If you are unable to find the owner through social media (see below under Dogs), please call FAAS between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., 7 days a week, at 510-337-8565 for instructions. After hours, please call the Alameda Police Department non-emergency line at 510-337-8340. Fill out our FOUND ANIMAL REPORT.
DOGS
Before bringing a found dog to the shelter, please attempt to locate the owner using the following steps:
- Check collar and tags for owner contact information - the owners might live close by.
- Check social media:
Check and post on Next Door
Check and post on Craigslist (East Bay Lost & Found)
Check and post on Pawboost
Check and post on your neighborhood dog owners’ group on Facebook, in Alameda Peeps, and in Alameda 94501.
- Check and post on Petco Love Lost.
If you are unable to find the owner, please call FAAS between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., 7 days a week, at 510-337-8565 for instructions, and fill out our FOUND ANIMAL REPORT. After hours, please call the Alameda Police Department non-emergency line at 510-337-8340.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
When lost dogs, cats and other companion animals (such as pet rabbits) are brought to FAAS, we scan for a microchip and check our records of lost pets. Finders might be allowed to foster the lost pet if they desire, and if the owners are not found, qualified finders are the first allowed to adopt.