Lost and Found Pets

We hope you never lose your pet. But if your pet does become lost, we have resources available to you to help you.

What To Do If You Lost Your Pet

First, contact your local humane society or local law enforcement to report your animal missing. The designated stray holding facility in La Crosse County is located at our shelter in Onalaska, Wisconsin. Call us at 608-781-4014 during business hours to file a lost report and see whether or not Animal Control has found your animal. 

How To Start Looking For Your Lost Pet

  • Ask Friends & Family - Ask your friends and family members to help you look outside where your pet may have disappeared; it may prove very helpful as your animal may be more likely to come to someone he or she knows.

  • Start Right Away But Use Caution - Remember, companion animals can become frightened or disorientated when they are lost so please exercise caution even with your own furry friend. Don't assume your pet will find his or her way home.

  • Check Facebook- many stray holding facilities will post their incoming strays on a regular basis. There is also a chance that a community member has found your pet and has posted to local lost and found groups.

  • Ask The Mail Carrier - Don't forget to ask your mail carrier as he or she is an excellent source of information about neighborhood pets. 

  • Newspaper & Online Resources - If you are still unable to locate your animal, contact your local newspaper and place a free lost ad. You can also post your information on Craigslist. 

White and brown dog wearing a purple collar without tags sits on the floor in the Coulee Region Humane Society office in Onalaska, Wisconsin.

Portraits by Hilary Running

What To Do If You Found A Lost Pet

Contact your local humane society or local law enforcement to report the found animal. Please call 608-781-4014 to have an Animal Control Humane Officer dispatched to your address to pick up the animal.

Please do not assume the animal is neglected or abandoned. The animal may just need your help in finding his or her way home. La Crosse County residents are encouraged to call Animal Control at 608-781-4014 with questions and/or concerns at any time as they are available 24/7.

Here are some more tips to help you care for your temporary buddy.

  • Use caution and always be alert for potential health issues.

  • Never chase an animal to try and catch it.

  • If the found animal is a dog, use a lead of some sort to gently lead the pet to a safe, confined place. If you cannot take care of the animal yourself, please call Animal Control at 608-781-4014.

  • If the found animal is a cat, do not confuse a frightened cat with a feral cat. Fearful cats may hiss, lunge and urinate. Setting a live trap may be the best approach at catching the animal. Live traps can be obtained at your local store or acquired through our facility, stock permitting.