I FOUND A PET
Thank you for helping a lost pet get home.
Finding a lost pet can leave you wondering what to do next. Lost Pet Assist will help you organize the important details so the pet has the best possible chance of being reunited with their family.
You do not need to have every answer. Provide the information you have, and we will guide you through the next steps.
WHAT TO DO FIRST
Start with the most urgent next steps.
These tips can help you act calmly and safely while you prepare the found-pet report.
- Is the animal injured or in distress? If yes, contact emergency veterinary help right away.
- Has the animal been scanned for a microchip? Veterinary clinics, shelters, animal control facilities, emergency vets, and verified scanning locations may be able to help.
- If no microchip scan has been done yet, ask a local clinic or shelter to scan the pet. One scan is not always definitive, and a second thorough scan may be worthwhile because chips can migrate or scanners can vary.
- If a microchip is found, look up the chip number through a registry or manufacturer lookup service.
- Microchip registries generally do not give the finder the owner’s private information directly. The registry usually contacts the registered owner and acts as an intermediary, often sharing the finder’s contact information or helping connect them.
- If the chip is unregistered or the information is outdated, contact the registry or manufacturer anyway. They may be able to identify the implanting veterinarian, shelter, breeder, rescue, or other organization that originally purchased or implanted the chip.
- If no chip is found, a second thorough scan may still be worthwhile, especially if the pet was found in a different location or the scanner used was limited.
In Albuquerque, free microchip scanning is available at participating fire stations, APD substations, local businesses, veterinary clinics, and Animal Welfare locations. Scanner sites are for scanning only and may not be able to keep the animal.
Outside Albuquerque, check local veterinary clinics, shelters, animal control, emergency vets, or other verified scanning locations.
AAHA’s lookup identifies the registry or manufacturer connected to the chip. It does not show the owner’s private information.
If the animal is seriously injured or in distress, contact the nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Call before driving when possible to confirm the facility is open and able to accept the animal.
Emergency veterinary availability varies across New Mexico, especially after hours and in rural areas.
LET'S GET STARTED
Tell us about the pet you found.
We'll collect the details needed to create a found-pet report and help connect this pet with people searching for them.