ANIMAL EDITION
Found a pet?
- Post a description and picture of the pet and the date and location found on Mueller Neighbors and Austin Lost and Pets Facebook page, Nextdoor.com, and Craigslist with the words “Found DOG” or “Found CAT” at the beginning of the post.
- Submit a Found Animal report by calling 3-1-1 or via the 3-1-1 app. This step will get the pet listed in the Austin shelter’s database.
- Take the animal to be scanned for a microchip at any vet clinic, some pet stores (Tomlinson’s, PetSmart), or the nearest shelter.
- Hang up flyers and posters in the area the pet was found.
- If possible, hold on to the animal for as long as you can until you find its owner. If you can’t, take it to the Austin Animal Shelter, the nation’s largest “no-kill” animal shelter, at 7201 Levander Loop.
- Require proof of ownership from anyone claiming the animal is theirs such as distinguishing marks, personal photos of the pet or vet records.
- More helpful advice available at alfp.austin.com.
Lost a pet?
- Post a description about your pet, including a picture, date, and location lost or last seen on Mueller Neighbors and Austin Lost and Pets Facebook page, Nextdoor.com, and Craigslist with the words “Lost DOG” or “Lost CAT” at the beginning of the post.
- Hang up flyers and posters in the area the pet was lost.
- Search area animal shelters online AND in person.
- If your pet is microchipped, contact the chip manufacturer that made it make sure your contact information is up to date.
- Put items with your scent on it, such as dirty laundry, on your porch or back patio.
- Here is a tip sheet from Austin Lost and Found Pets for finding a lost cat: bit.ly/alfptips and more helpful advice at alfp.austin.com.
Found an injured wildlife animal like a baby possum or injured bird?
Check out Austin Wildlife Rescue’s step-by-step directions at austinwildliferescue.org/foundawildanimal.
Spotted a Coyote?
- Never run away from a coyote!
- The coyote may not leave at first, but as you move closer and/or increase the intensity of your hazing (standing tall, waving your arms, and yelling), they will run away.
- If the coyote runs away a short distance and then stops and looks at you, continue hazing until he leaves the area entirely.
- After you have successfully hazed a coyote, they may return. Continue to haze the coyote as you did before; it usually takes only one or two times to haze a coyote away for good.
- Report the sighting to 311.
- humanesociety.org/resources/coyote-hazing