FOUND ANIMALS

All found domestic animals that are brought to CARES are posted immediately to our Facebook page, which can be found here.

Reclaiming an Animal From C.A.R.E.S.

Impounded animals are held for a minimum of 72 hours to give their owners an opportunity to reclaim them. After the required holding period, an unclaimed animal may be evaluated for adoption or another appropriate placement.

To reclaim an animal, the person claiming ownership must:

• Present valid photo identification;

• Provide sufficient proof that the animal belongs to them; and

• Pay all applicable impound, boarding, licensing, and other required city fees before the animal is released.

Proof of ownership may include veterinary records, licensing or microchip information, adoption records, photographs taken before the animal was lost, or other identifying information. C.A.R.E.S. may request more than one form of verification when ownership is unclear or disputed.

A verbal claim, familiarity with the animal, or possession of the animal at some point is not necessarily sufficient proof of ownership. C.A.R.E.S. will not release an animal until staff are reasonably satisfied that the person claiming it is the lawful owner or is authorized by the lawful owner.

Contact C.A.R.E.S. as soon as possible if you believe your animal has been impounded. Waiting until the holding period has expired does not preserve ownership or prevent the animal from becoming available for adoption or placement.