Lost and Found

Section .14 of the Madison County Animal Control Ordinance states: "Unless otherwise mandated by state law, it shall be unlawful for any person, without the consent of an animal's owner or keeper, to knowingly and intentionally harbor or keep in possession by confinement any animal that does not belong to him/her. Any person in possession of a stray animal shall contact the Madison County Animal Control within 72 hours to provide notice of the stray animal's description and location or to arrange for impoundment. It shall also be unlawful for any person other than the owner or keeper of the animal to remove its collar, license tag, or rabies tag." 
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What to Do If You Have Lost Your Pet:
  • Visit ALL local animal shelters at least every three days
  • File a lost report with your local shelter, as well as surrounding county shelters and rescue organizations.
  • Bring or email a clear photo of your missing animal to the shelter. This is important! One person may think a dog is a Lab where someone else may think it’s a Hound.
  • Social media is your friend! Post your missing pets’ photo on Facebook, Twitter, ect to quickly spread the word about your missing pet. Be sure to include contact information and make your post public for maximum viewing potential.
When Checking the Shelters:
  • Walk though the kennels and view each animal in the shelter.
  • If you have not, file a lost report at your local animal shelter/organizations.
  • Call Veterinarians in the area and surrounding county shelters/rescue organizations.
  • Bring, fax, or email a lost flyer to the shelters, rescues, and veterinarian offices.
  • Be prepared to prove ownership of your pet! Have current veterinary records, registration certificate, or other ways to prove that the animal belongs to you. Shelters cannot release a stray animal without proof of ownership.
What to Do If You Have Found a Pet
  • Call or visit your local animal shelter/organization and report you have found an animal.
  • Have the animal scanned for a MICROCHIP at the Shelter or a Veterinarian office.
  • Make sure you have left your name, phone number, address (where the animal will be at) and a picture.
Additional Information
  • Check the Lost and Found ads in local newspapers (Weekly). 
  • Advertise your lost pet in the local newspapers (if offering a reward, we suggest that you NOT state the amount in the ad). 
  • Canvas your neighborhood with flyers with picture (If you have one) and let your neighbors know your animal is missing.
  • If your pet is wearing an ID tag with another person’s information, then contact that person and/or agency (microchip company as well) and update your address and phone number.
When Your Pet Gets Home
  • Consider purchasing a pet ID tag and having your pet microchipped to facilitate a faster reunion should they go missing again.
  • Keep clear, current photos of your pets so that they can be easily identified if they go missing.
  • Let everyone know that your pet has returned.