- If you can safely do so, check to see if the animal has a rabies tag or identification tag. Owners will often put a phone number directly on the tag or collar. You may be able to reunite the lost pet with its owner without having to call us.
- If the pet is wearing a rabies tag, call the number on the tag and have the tag number available. When you call, you will either reach staff or our automated voice response system. Give the tag number to our staff, or leave a message when prompted. You will be given the pet owner's phone number so you can contact them directly to return their pet.
- Check Pet Harbor to verify if the animal you have found has been reported missing by its owner.
- Report the animal on local lost and found pages.
- Post flyers in the area where you found the pet.
- Get the animal scanned for a microchip.
Note: All pets should be scanned for a microchip and a picture should be provided to help get them home. If you are not able to upload a picture when submitting the online pet report, please bring the pet to Metro Animal Care and Control. We will take a picture and scan the pet for a microchip.
If you are unable to keep the animal in your home, bring it to Metro Animal Care and Control. Since we are the animal control for Nashville/Davidson County, most owners will check our facility first. We will hold the pet through its stray holding period. If unclaimed, the animal's temperament and health will be assessed for entry into our adoption program.
For your safety, do not attempt to approach an aggressive and/or scared animal. If you can safely contain the lost animal in your yard, your garage, or a kennel, please call us at 615-862-7928.