Discovering a lost pet can be heartwarming, but also concerning. Your first thought might be, “How can I find Lost Found Pets Near Me and help this animal get back home?” Fortunately, reuniting lost pets with their owners is often quicker than you think, thanks to microchip technology and readily available resources in your community. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to take when you find a lost dog or cat, focusing on how to use “lost found pets near me” strategies to ensure a happy reunion.
Free Microchip Scanning: Your First Step to Reuniting Lost Pets
One of the most effective and fastest ways to identify a lost pet’s owner is by scanning for a microchip. A microchip, a small electronic chip implanted under the pet’s skin, contains a unique identification number linked to the owner’s contact information. Scanning is painless and can be done at various locations for free. Think of microchipping as a permanent ID tag – it dramatically increases the chances of a lost pet finding its way back home.
Here are locations where you can get a found pet scanned for a microchip, absolutely free. Remember, these locations are for scanning purposes only and are not equipped to house animals for extended periods.
Business Locations Offering Microchip Scanning
Many pet-related businesses understand the importance of community support in reuniting lost pets. They often offer free microchip scanning as a public service. Contact local pet stores, groomers, or pet supply shops and inquire if they provide this service.
Police Substations: Community Help Points for Lost Pets
Police substations are another accessible resource in many neighborhoods. While primarily focused on law enforcement, substations often assist with community needs, including helping to reunite lost pets.
Police department employees at substations can scan found pets for microchips. These services are typically available during their operating hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at most substations.
Fire Stations: Local Heroes for Pets Too
Fire stations are not just about fighting fires; firefighters are community helpers in many ways. Many fire stations are equipped with microchip scanners and are willing to assist in scanning found animals.
To find the nearest fire station or to get their contact number, you can call 311, your local government services hotline. Alternatively, you can use the AFR Station Finder online to locate fire stations in your vicinity: AFR Station Finder (arcgis.com).
Here is a list of Fire Stations that may be able to assist with scanning:
- Station 1 – 724 Silver SW 87102
- Station 2 – 2401 Alumni Dr SE Huning 87112
- Station 3 – 141 Girard NE 87112
- Station 4 – 301 McKnight NW 87112
- Station 5 – 123 Dallas NE 87112
- Station 6 – 623 Griegos Rd NW, 87112
- Station 7 – 5715 Central Ave NW 87112
- Station 8 – 1400 Indian View NE 87112
- Station 9 – 9410 Menaul NE 87112
- Station 10 – 2841 Rio Grande NW 87112
- Station 11 – 5403 Southern SE 87112
- Station 12 – 201 Muriel NE 87112
- Station 13 – 901 Prospect NE 87112
- Station 14 – 9810 Eucariz SW 87112
- Station 15 – 6600 Academy NE 87112
- Station 16 – 4727 Juan Tabo NE 87112
- Station 17 – 3630 Yucca NW 87112
- Station 18 – 6100 Taylor Ranch NW 87112
- Station 19 – 3520 San Andres NE 87112
- Station 20 – 7520 Corona NE 87112
- Station 21 – 10400 Cibola Loop NW 87112
- Station 22 – 10005 Unser NW 87112
Animal Clinics and Shelters: Expert Help for Found Pets
Animal clinics and shelters are naturally key places to turn to when you find a lost pet. They are equipped to handle animals, provide care if needed, and are highly experienced in reuniting pets with their families.
- Albuquerque Animal Welfare Shelters
- Aztec Animal Clinic – 4340 Coal SE 87108 -505-265-4939
- Cottonwood Animal Clinic – 1101 Rio Rancho Blvd. 87124 – 505-891-2800
- Desert Hills Animal Clinic – 7120 Wyoming NE Suite 3B 87109 – 505-821-4990
- Northwest Animal Hospital – 1000 Alameda NW 87114 – 505-898-1491
- Petroglyphs Animal Hospital – 6633 Caminito Coors NW 87120 – 505-898-8874
- Taylor Ranch Vet Hospital – 9401 Golf Course Suite D 87114 – 505-792-9666
- VCA/Wyoming Animal Hospital – 2740 Wyoming NE 87111 – 505-298-7444
These clinics and shelters not only offer microchip scanning but can also provide advice on caring for the found pet temporarily and further steps to take in finding the owner.
Expanding Your Search for “Lost Pets Bernalillo County” and Beyond
If scanning the microchip successfully reunites the pet, that’s wonderful! If not, or if the pet isn’t microchipped, don’t worry. There are still more avenues to explore, especially online resources focused on “lost pets Bernalillo County” or your specific local area.
The Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department website is a great starting point for searching for lost or adoptable animals under their care. Additionally, be sure to check the Bernalillo County Animal Care Services website, which may have listings of found animals in the wider county area: View Bernalillo County Animal Care Services.
Beyond these official sites, consider using social media platforms and local “lost and found pets” groups online. Posting photos and descriptions of the found pet can reach a wide local audience quickly. Remember to include details about where and when you found the pet, and any distinguishing features.
A Note on Wildlife Encounters
While domestic pets need our help, wild animals require a different approach. It’s fascinating to observe wildlife, but it’s generally best to leave them undisturbed. If you find an injured wild animal and feel comfortable and safe handling it, you can take it to Wildlife Rescue, Inc. of New Mexico: Wild Life Rescue Inc. of NM located at the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park. Their phone number for information on hours and directions is 505-344-2500.
Wildlife Rescue Hours:
| Date | Days of the Week Open | Times Open |
|---|---|---|
| May 1-Aug. 31 | Everyday | 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. |
| Sept. 1-April 31 | Monday-Saturday (closed Sundays) | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. |
Alternatively, for injured wildlife, you can also contact animal shelters for guidance or to arrange for animal services to pick up the animal by calling 311.
Bringing Lost Pets Home: A Community Effort
Finding a lost pet initiates a small journey – a journey to bring them back to their loving family. By utilizing resources for “lost found pets near me”, including microchip scanning locations, online databases, and community networks, you play a crucial role in this heartwarming process. Your actions can make all the difference in reuniting a worried owner with their beloved companion.
