Is Your Pet Missing?

First, search the links below for photos of current stray animals at the Buncombe County Animal Shelter.

Note: If you do find a photo in the links below that resembles your pet, contact the Buncombe County Animal Shelter immediately at (828) 250-6430 to inform the Shelter you believe your missing pet maybe one of those listed on the Stray Animal Page.  You will be required to physically visit the Buncombe County Animal Shelter to properly identify and reclaim your missing animal and your quick action to reclaim is very important in securing your missing pet to be reunited with you.  Please bring proof of ownership which includes one of the following: Rabies Certificate; Veterinary Records; Photo(s).

    Stray animals cannot be held past the legal State holding period of 72 hours that have not yet been identified in person. All animals reclaimed from the Buncombe County Animal Shelter must be Microchipped and current on Rabies Vaccination according to State and Local Laws. There are fees associated with reclaiming your pet; however, the fees vary depending on how your animal was brought to the shelter, length of stay and procedures required by law prior to being released from custody.

    To view current photos of found dogs, click here

    To view current photos of found cats, click here

    To view current photos of other found animals, click here

    If you did not find your missing pet in the above links...ACT FAST!

    Please review these additional tips for what you should do when missing a beloved companion:  

    • It’s vitally important that you contact and visit all area shelters, to include surrounding Counties, to look for your missing pet, because animals can wander far from home, or be picked up by a concerned citizen from another community who is visiting or working in your community.  If you don’t find your pet at a particular shelter, ask to leave a lost pet report and current photo with the staff and be sure to check back daily and don't give up, keep looking.
    • It’s necessary for you to personally look for your pet, because the description you give over the phone may not be the same as another person would provide for that same animal. (For example: you might refer to your pet as a Shepherd mix while someone else might recognize it as a Labrador mix)  Even if you call ahead, the recommendation will be that you visit the shelter in person as your description of your lost pet might not match the Shelter's description. Upon arrival at the Buncombe County Animal Shelter, you will complete a lost pet report which will be kept on file for 30 days. A staff representative will then escort you through the animal holding areas so you can look for your pet.
    • A current color photo is one of the most beneficial tools to help locate your missing pet.  Please bring a color photo of your missing pet with you to the Buncombe County Animal Shelter that can be left for use in identifying your missing companion.
    • Animal Control and private citizens bring stray animals to the Buncombe County Animal Shelter each day, so by visiting the shelter every 1-2 days, you will increase the chances of finding your pet if it is brought to, or reported as found to the Buncombe County Animal Shelter.
    • If you have registered your pet by an ID Tag or Microchip, contact the registering agency and alert them that your pet is missing. Be sure your contact information is up to date.  If you know your pet's microchip number (your Veterinarian may have this) you may look your pet's microchip record up here: www.petmicrochiplookup.org.  However, do not assume the ID Tag will remain on the pet until it is found, or that just because your missing pet has a microchip that you can be located. 
    • Notify friends, neighbors and even local businesses in your neighborhood and/or the area where your pet went missing.  Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and other community blogs can prove helpful in the search as well.
    • Contact veterinary practices, groomers and pet supply stores in the area. They may have a Lost and Found bulletin board in their businesses and finders of lost pets frequently inquire here looking for an owner.
    • Read the “found” ads, and take out a “lost” ad in area newspapers, such as Asheville Citizen Times, IWANNA and be sure to do the same on internet sites such as www.craigslist.com, www.lostpetswnc.org and www.reachvet.com.
    • Post flyers in your neighborhood and/or the area where you lost your pet, as well as, nearby high traffic locations like schools, drug stores, gas stations and grocery stores. Include a photo of your pet and a cell phone number so you can be reached immediately, especially while you are out searching for your pet.  Here is a helpful link to make a lost pet flyer: http://www.petbond.com/flyerentry.php.
    • Look for your pet in the area where he or she went missing as well as near your home. The quiet early morning hours are a good time to search for your pet.  If a neighbor's dog is barking during the search politely ask them to keep the dog inside while you look for your missing pet.
    • Oftentimes cats are not faraway and are found in small crawl spaces under sheds, garages and under or in places you may not think to look.  Get low to the ground and get your missing pet's perspective, to help you locate those difficult to find hiding spots. 
    • Don’t give up!