If a pet is found or goes missing, contacting the local animal shelter should be the very first step. Local shelters have resources dedicated to reuniting pets and owners and can guide anyone through the process of reporting, searching, and next actions. Because pets get lost every day, even pets that belong to highly responsible pet parents, knowing how to find or reunite a lost pet in West Houston, Katy, Fulshear, and Cypress is important for every family.
What to Do If You Find a Lost Pet
- Immediately Contact Area Shelters: Notify shelters serving your location, including Houston SPCA, Harris County Animal Control, BARC, CAP (Citizens for Animal Protection), Houston Humane Society, and Special Pals. These organizations maintain active records of lost and found pets and provide intake or foster options.
- Check for Identification and Microchip: If safe, look for tags and call the number(s) displayed. If there are no tags and it’s safe to do so, take the pet to your nearest fire station (see below,) a local vet, or a nearby shelter to scan for a microchip. If the pet is microchipped, helpers can find contact information for the owners to inform them that their pet has been found.
- Post on Local Networks: Use sites like Pawboost, Petco Love Lost, Facebook groups like Katy TX Lost and Found Pets, and neighborhood apps like NextDoor. Many families watch these networks for lost pet updates.
- Create Flyers: Take clear photos and make flyers to post in neighborhoods and vet offices. Include distinguishing features and contact info. Houston SPCA has many resources on its website.
What to Do If You Lose Your Pet
- Search the Area and Notify Neighbors: Walk around the neighborhood; talk with neighbors, mail carriers, landscapers, and anyone who might have seen the pet. Having a recent photo of your pet on your phone is a great way to give those you meet during your search a visual of the missing pet.
- Leave Familiar Scents: Place the pet’s bedding, toys, or clothing outside to help guide them home.
- Update Microchip Information: Contact the microchip provider and your veterinarian to update your details and trigger alerts to local shelters and clinics. If your microchip registration information is not updated, you could delay reuniting with your pet. This is a critical step to ensure seamless contact with anybody who finds your pet.
- Use Social Media and Apps: Post detailed descriptions and photos on Facebook, Instagram, and NextDoor. Utilize platforms like Petco Love Lost for wider searches powered by image recognition.
- Set Traps for Lost Cats: Use humane traps with familiar scents for cat recovery, as lost cats often stay close to home but may not recognize their house from the outside.
How to Find or Reunite a Lost Pet in West Houston, Katy, Fulshear, & Cypress
- Houston SPCA: Check their Found Animal list, submit a Lost Pet Report, and call 713-869-7722
- Harris County Animal Control: Report a lost or found pet, visit 612 Canino Rd. Houston, TX 77076, or call 281-999-3191
- BARC Animal Shelter: Report a lost pet, visit 200 Carr St./2700 Evella St., Houston TX or call 713-229-7300
- Houston Humane Society: Visit their lost and found web page or call 713-433-6421
- Special Pals: Offers microchip scanning, provides resources, and may be able to assist with other needs
West Houston, Katy, Fulshear, & Cypress Shelter Contact Info
| Shelter | Location/Contact | Service Area |
|---|---|---|
| Houston SPCA | 713-869-7722, 900 Portway Dr | All Houston Metro |
| Harris Co. Animal Ctrl | 281-999-3191, 612 Canino Rd | NW/West Houston |
| BARC Animal Shelter | 713-229-7300, 200 Carr St | Houston/Cypress |
| CAP | 281-497-0591, 17555 Katy Fwy | Katy/West Houston |
| Houston Humane Society | 713-433-6421, 14700 Almeda Rd | Greater Houston |
| Special Pals | Via website, Katy TX | Katy/Fulshear |
Houston Fire Stations & Microchip Scanners
As stated above, fire stations often have microchip scanners on hand. Since they are “open” 24/7, these fire stations can be a lifesaver when a pet is found.
That said, Houston Fire Department stations do not all have microchip scanners, as it is not mandated for all fire departments. However, many individual fire departments in the greater Houston area, including all 9 of Spring Fire Stations and 2 South Montgomery County Fire Department stations, participate in pet microchip reader programs. You can confirm if a specific station in Houston has a scanner by checking their local website or social media, or by contacting them directly before heading there with a found pet.
The Best Care for Pets in West Houston, Katy, Fulshear, & Cypress
Taking quick, thorough action and keeping close contact with local shelters and networks dramatically increases the chance of reuniting pets and families in West Houston, Katy, Fulshear, or Cypress.
Animal Admiration Pet Care offers customizable dog walking, dog sitting, cat sitting, home, plant, and chicken care in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Energy Corridor, Memorial, West Houston, and Cypress. For new clients, please contact us at info@animaladmiration.com or (281) 391-1015 to learn about our in-home pet care services.
Existing clients, schedule your pet care visits here.
If you are outside our above-listed areas, please visit Pet Sitters International or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters to find a professional pet care provider near you.
Brooke Rozell began her professional pet sitting career in 2003. In 2011, she established Animal Admiration to bring trusted, professional pet care to the Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, and West Houston areas while elevating the pet sitting industry as a whole. Brooke is an active member of Pet Sitters International, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, the Texas Pet Sitters Association, and the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about Brooke.
