Friendly Finders
Found a pet? Become a Friendly Finder!
As a Friendly Finder, you can provide temporary care for a found pet while working with our shelter to help reunite them with their family. We offer this for people who’ve found a pet in Pierce County.
How it Works
By keeping pets close to where they were found and actively sharing their information, Friendly Finders give lost pets the best chance of reuniting with their families—all without the added stress of a trip to the shelter.
Submit a Found Pet Report
Submit a report, including a photo of the animal, through our website or at the shelter. This step ensures the pet is in our system and searchable for families looking for their lost pet. The information you provide about the pet will be posted on our website’s Found Animals page within 48 hours of submitting the form
Scan for a Microchip
Take the pet to your local veterinary clinic, pet store, or shelter to have them scanned for a microchip.
Provide Temporary Care
Care for the pet while their family searches for them. You’re offering them a safe environment that reduces stress and keeps them close to where their family may be looking.
The Benefits
- Pets are more likely to be reunited with their owner nearby.
- Shelters have more space for other animals in critical need.
- Pets are less stressed and stay healthier.
- Creates a stronger, more caring community.
FAQs
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How long should I keep the pet?
If you intend to keep the pet permanently if the owner does not come forward, after 30 days we will remove the listing from our website and if you followed the steps to find the owner, the pet will now be considered to be yours. If you do not want to keep the pet permanently, please make a Found Pet Appointment.
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What happens if the owner comes forward?
The finder is legally obligated to return the pet to its rightful owner. If the owner contacts us, with your permission we can provide them with your contact information or we can help arrange a meeting between you to confirm ownership and reunite the pet with their family. Don’t forget to inform us if the pet is reunited with their family by emailing our Pet Support team at [email protected]” so we can update our records and website.
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What happens if the pet’s owner does not come forward?
If the pet’s owner does not come forward and you do not intend to keep the pet, schedule a found pet appointment to bring them to the shelter within 30 days.
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Does the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County provide supplies?
We can provide essential supplies like food, bowls, bedding, and crates (if available). Visit our Animal Receiving lobby during open hours to request supplies.
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As a Friendly Finder, am I considered a foster volunteer for the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County?
No. The Friendly Finder program supports the community in reuniting lost pets with their owners quickly, without the pets entering the shelter. While Friendly Finders are greatly appreciated, they are not foster volunteers for the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, and found animals within the program are not considered shelter property.
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What happens if I have a medical issue with the found pet I am caring for?
If a found pet has a medical issue, take them to our shelter or a local veterinary clinic for urgent care. Some clinics accept stray pets needing immediate attention, but the pet may need to be transferred to a rescue or shelter for further care, at which point you may no longer be able to continue caring for them. If you choose to proceed with treatment independently, you will be responsible for any costs.
Additionally, you should not make any permanent alterations to the pet like microchipping or spaying/neutering until you have had the pet for over 30 days and are recognized as their legal owner.
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What happens if I have a behavior issue with the found pet I am caring for?
If you are experiencing serious behavior issues such as aggression that are causing safety concerns, please bring the pet to our shelter during open hours or contact the animal control agency for your jurisdiction
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How do I know if someone claiming the pet is the legal owner?
Ask for proof, such as photos of the pet, veterinary records, or details about distinguishing features. We can help you verify ownership if needed.