Are you missing a pet?

Below we outline steps to take as soon as your pet has gone missing. If you live in one of our contracting towns, we urge you to complete the online lost pet form at the bottom of this page ASAP.

Do you have a wandering cat in your neighborhood that you are concerned is homeless? Learn about attaching a paper collar to the cat to see if it has a home.

STEP 1: Contact your local animal control officer

You should contact the Animal Control Officer of your town immediately to let them know. This helps them reunite stray pets they find with their owners as quickly as possible.

If you do not know who your Animal Control Officer is, you can view a full list of animal control officers by town online here. You can also call the non-emergency line with your police department to connect with your ACO.

STEP 2: Contact your local shelter and use online tools

You should immediately notify the shelter that your town contracts with. To file a lost report with the ARLGP, please submit the form at the bottom of this page.

The ARLGP contracts with Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Chebeague Island, Gray, Gorham, Hollis, Long Island, Portland, Raymond, Scarborough, South Portland, Standish, Westbrook and Windham. If you are not in one of our contracting towns,  you can find your town’s shelter here.

Online tools:

• Maine Lost Cat Recovery and Maine Lost Dog Recovery are both Facebook-based pages that share lost reports and help communities reunite stray pets
• Petco Love Lost is a national database of stray pets currently available at shelters

STEP 3: Make immediate household changes

Leave something with a familiar scent on it out where your pet can find it. A litter box, pet bed, or blankets are great options to leave on your porch, deck, or driveway.

Print out a flyer with your pet’s information and photo. Post within a two-mile radius of your home. Also distribute it to neighbors, local stores in your community, and vet offices. Search your neighborhood frequently, even at night. Pets who are scared often hide during the day. Bring a flashlight and some food. Have-a-heart traps are also available to purchase at local hardware stores.

Submit a lost (or found) pet report to the ARLGP