Shelter Programs

Lost & Found

The Role of the Animal Rescue League of Boston

In Massachusetts, animal control (i.e., the pick up and rehoming of stray or lost animals) is handled individually by each of the 351 municipalities and towns.  Most state laws pertaining to stray animals only technically apply to dogs. Some municipal ordinances may also include cats.  Some towns will handle both dogs and cats, but others may handle only dogs.  By law, a stray dog must be held 10 days (7 days in Suffolk County), but there is no state law governing how long a stray cat must be held.  Typically, stray and lost animals are held in local facilities, often associated with a town building or police headquarters, but not always.  Each town is different.

Private animal shelters like the Animal Rescue League of Boston will also sometimes receive stray animals and reports of lost pets. If we receive a lost pet, we will attempt to contact the Animal Control Officer from that city or town, and may sometimes transfer the animal back to them during or after the stray hold time.  Therefore the first place to start the search for your pet is with your local Animal Control Officer, who can usually be reached either through your local town hall or police department. 

See the list below for important tips on what to do if your pet is missing.

 5 Steps to Take if Your Pet Goes Missing

1. Know your numbers: depending on where you live, begin by contacting one of the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s three animal shelters:
   
   
   • Boston metro area: The Animal Rescue League of Boston (617) 426-9170
   • Dedham area: The Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Dedham
     branch: (781) 326-0729
   • Lower Cape Cod: The Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Brewster
     branch: (508) 255-1030
   
   Be sure to also alert your town’s other animal shelter and animal control offices. In Boston, contact the City of Boston’s Animal Shelter (617) 635-1800 and the MSPCA Animal Shelter (617) 522-5055. Be prepared to tell them your pet’s name, sex, breed, color, approximate weight, age, and any distinguishing characteristics. If possible, visit these agencies to supply them with a recent photo of your pet and to get to know the staff.
   
2. Act locally: Most pets go missing close to home. Visit the Massachusetts Animal Coalition’s “Lost Animal Resource Guide” at http://www.massanimalcoalition.org/ for helpful guidelines. Enlist neighbors (especially other pet owners), store owners, postal carriers, sanitation engineers, crossing guards, police officers, veterinary offices, and smaller local pet shelters and/or rescue organizations in your search. The more eyes searching for your lost pet, the better the chances of him or her returning home.
   
3. Form a posse: Frightened or lost animals will often hide under or behind porches, alcoves and other out of the way spaces. Ask family and friends who know your pet to help you search out potential hiding spots.
   
4. Pull out all the stops: Don’t let too much time pass before beginning your search especially when it comes to cats. Unlike dogs, people are less apt to report seeing an outdoor cat because they presume its owner lives nearby. Create a flyer with a recent color photo of your pet, his or her name, sex, breed, color, approximate weight, age, and any distinguishing markings. Don’t forget to include the date your pet went missing and your preferred phone number (don’t include your name or address to avoid potential scams). The Massachusetts Animal Coalition’s website has an excellent template available in their “Lost Animal Resource Guide.” Post flyers at eye level within a 1 mile radius of where your pet went missing: on telephone poles, at local stores, in veterinary offices and pet shops, and on community bulletin boards such as those at grocery stores. You might also consider going door-to-door and hand out flyers in your neighborhood.
   
5. Be prepared: Have your pet’s current information and a recent color photo handy. Update it every 6 months to 1 year and keep it in case the unimaginable happens.