Found a Stray

Help, I found a stray!

Thank you for caring for our community critters! Don't stress, we've got you covered. Let's team up and reunite them with their family.

I found a:

A Sick or Injured Pet

A Friendly Cat

A Friendly Dog

A Kitten or Litter

An Ear-Tipped Cat

An Unfriendly Dog or Cat

A Healthy Domestic Animal

Wildlife

I found a sick or injured pet.

If you are able to transport the animal, you can bring them to Buncombe County Animal Shelter. If the shelter is closed or you are unable to transport them, contact Animal Services for assistance.

Asheville Animal Services: (828) 252-1110

Buncombe County Animal Services: (828) 250-6670

I found a healthy, friendly dog or cat.

Check for tags or a microchip

Check for a collar or ID tag with their information on it. You can also get a free microchip scan at a location near you. A cat that looks healthy, content, and well-fed is rarely lost and can be left alone.

Help them find their family

Animals are far more likely to be reunited with their owners outside of the shelter. Following our tips to get the word out about a found pet can prevent them from ever having to step foot in the shelter.

Bring them to the shelter

If you are able to transport the animal, you can bring them to Buncombe County Animal Shelter during our operating hours.

I found an ear-tipped cat.

If the cat is healthy and has an ear tip, it is a community cat that has been spayed or neutered. In general, they are not family pets and are often happiest outdoors. Trapping a community cat can be highly stressful for them, so it is best to leave them alone unless they appear injured or malnourished.

I found an unfriendly dog or cat.

If you have found an unfriendly or scared dog or cat, please contact Animal Services for assistance. You can reach Asheville Animal Services at (828) 252-1110, or Buncombe County Animal Services at (828) 250-6670.

I found a kitten or litter.

Don’t panic! It’s rare for cats to abandon their kittens. Mother cats are working moms who need to hunt for food regularly to provide for their babies. Before touching the kittens, read our found kitten guide to learn when you should intervene.

I found a healthy domestic animal.

If you are able to secure and transport the animal, you can bring them to Buncombe County Animal Shelter during our operating hours. If you are unable to secure or transport them, please contact Animal Services for assistance. You can reach Asheville Animal Services at (828) 252-1110, or Buncombe County Animal Services at (828) 250-6670.

I found wildlife.

Generally, if you find a wild animal, the best thing to do is leave it alone or call a wildlife rehabilitation center. A rehabilitator can help you determine if a wild animal needs humane intervention and will give you information on what to do next.

Microchip Locations

Find a microchip scanner location near you and take the found pet for a free scan – it’s their best chance to get home quickly!

Search online – Search Nextdoor, Pawboost, Petco Love Lost, social media, and local shelters for lost pet reports. Can't find anything? Create your own found pet posting.
Create a flyer – Print and hang them up at local stores, veterinary clinics, and offices near the area that the pet was found.
Talk to neighbors – Most pets are lost within a mile of their home. Ask neighbors if they recognize the lost pet or if they have other information that could help.

Help them reunite

If you are able to keep the lost pet in your home, here are some tips on how you can help them get back to the people they love. Spreading the word can significantly increase the chances of a lost pet getting home safely.

Please fill out our found pet report below if you decide to care for the animal in your home.

Community Solutions

Canine Training

Found a stray