The SPCA of Tompkins County keeps a record of all animals reported lost or found. Please call us at (607) 257-1822 as soon as you can if your pet is missing and file a lost pet report. If you find an animal that appears to be a stray, please call us and report that, too. (If you find your pet, please remember to call us back!)

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure:

When you first adopt a cat or move to a new place, he or she will not be used to the new location. Keep cats indoors for at least two weeks. If you then choose to let your cat outside, start slow with supervised outings.

When you first adopt a dog, take him or her around the neighborhood (using a good quality harness, available for purchase at the shelter) frequently. This will help your dog get to know the area. All pets should wear visible collars and identification tags. Even though all dogs and cats adopted from the SPCA of Tompkins County are microchipped, pets with visible identification are less likely to be considered strays and brought to the shelter.  Train your pet to come when you call using treats and other rewards. If your dog spends time outside, be sure your fence is secure.

What to do if you've lost a pet

• Act quickly—as soon as you realize your pet is lost, canvas the area, calling your pet's name, and shaking a box of his or her favorite food or treats. If you’ve lost a dog and there is another dog in your family, bring him or her with you while searching.


• It may help to leave your pet's bed, a piece of your clothing, or your cat's litterbox outside to help your pet find its way home. Leave food and water on the front or back porch until your animal is found.


• Talk to neighbors to find out if they've seen your pet. Cats can get trapped in garages or basements, and they like to hide in yards so ask neighbors to check or ask for permission to look yourself.


• Animals often recognize the sound of your car, so drive slowly around the neighborhood. Also stop to talk with people you see. Just before and right after dark are especially good times to look for both dogs and cats. Shake a box of treats or open a can of food while you search—most pets recognize these sounds.


• Make a "Lost Pet" sign, and post it in visible places near where the animal was lost. Getting the flyers up quickly is more important than making them pretty—handwritten signs are fine. Hand them out to people, and gradually widen the area where you post the flyers.


• If your pet is microchipped, call the microchip company and notify them that your pet is lost.


• Call the SPCA of Tompkins County right away at (607) 257-1822 to file a "Lost Pet Report."


• Bring your "Lost Pet" flyer to local veterinarians and ask them to keep an eye out for your pet.


• Place a "Lost Pet" ad in the paper and in online classifieds like craigslist.com, and check the "Found Pet" ads daily.


• Don't give up—with diligence, there is an excellent chance you will find your pet.