Taking Action if Your Pet is Lost
Last updated: September 2, 2026
If your dog or cat is lost, the first hour matters most: check that the phone number on your pet's microchip is right, then tell people locally too. If instead you have found a stray dog or cat, start there. Sign in to check your contact details before anything else.
What to Do If Your Pet Is Lost
Check that your contact details are current. If a vet or shelter scans your pet, your phone number is what they see, so an out-of-date number leads nowhere. Updating your contact and emergency contact details takes about two minutes.
Flag your pet as lost in the registry. This helps alert shelters, veterinarians, and other partners who may scan your pet.
Spread the word:
Post on local lost pet Facebook groups and neighborhood apps like Nextdoor.
Use sites like PawBoost to create and share a digital flyer.
Contact nearby shelters, animal control, and veterinarian offices directly.
Update your posts daily with new photos, sightings, or any other helpful info.
The sooner your network knows your pet is missing, the faster you'll increase your chances of a reunion.
When Your Pet Is Found by Someone Else
If someone finds your pet and has them scanned at a veterinarian or shelter, the scanner will pull up your pet's microchip number and link it to your Adopterluv profile.
You will get a series of phone calls (with a voicemail if needed), texts and emails using the contact information in your account. The message will include instructions to reconnect with the finder and confirm your pet's safe return.
That's why keeping your contact information up to date is so important. It's the best way to ensure you can be reached when your pet needs you most. If you are not sure the microchip is registered at all, check your registration status first.