Some roaming dogs or cats are not actually lost. Most know exactly how to get home. Unless the pet appears visibly injured you should not pick up the animal and move it from it’s location. If the pet is injured, contact Animal Control near you.

 

Found a dog?

 

If you find a loose dog outside, the dog might not be lost. Chances are the dogs knows exactly how to get home. Dogs tend to roam near their home and moving them from their location can lower the chances of them getting back home. Do not assume that every roaming dog is unwanted. If you have concerns for the dog’s wellbeing, please contact Animal Control.

 

Found a cat?

 

Many of the cats that you see outdoors aren’t lost. Some cats live healthy happy lives being indoor/outdoor and some prefer to be outdoors, referred to as community cats. If the cat seems comfortable and confident outside, they are probably doing fine and don’t need your help. If the cat appears to be ill or injured, please contact Animal Control.

 

If you find kittens:

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If you find a litter of kittens outdoors, don’t assume they’ve been abandoned by their mom. In most cases, mom will be back soon and the kittens do not require help from humans. In fact, taking kittens to a shelter puts them at risk because most shelters don’t have the resources to provide the intensive care that young kittens need. The kittens’ best chance for survival is staying with their mother. Plan to monitor the kittens for signs of danger or distress, and then have the whole family spayed or neutered and vaccinated when the kittens are around 8 weeks. In fact, taking kittens to a shelter or rescue puts them at risk because most don’t have the resources to provide the intensive care that young kittens need. 

 

What else can I do to help lost or found pets in the Navajo Nation?

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If the pet appears healthy and you want to make sure they have a safe space to go for shelter you can follow these steps:

1. Have the pet scanned for a microchip at a local veterinary office, animal control, or rescue group.

2. Next, take a photo of the pet and post on the following Facebook groups: 

   • Navajo Nation Pets

   • Lost & found pets of the Navajo Nation

3. Make a flyer and post near where you found the pet. 

4. Take a walk with the dog you've found. Since pets often go missing near their homes, walk around the neighborhood and let everyone know you have found this pet.

5. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME FOR YOUR PET, please continue to temporarily care for your pet, yet put together information about your pet (how old, whether vaccinated, if the pet is good with children and other pets, etc) and post on social media.

6. Don't underestimate word of mouth – whether you found a pet or want to re-home one, connect with your family, friends, and people in your neighborhood like post office workers, and business owners. All can help you reach a wider audience by talking to others.