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Temporary shelter for a found animal

You found a dog, cat or other animal and cannot keep it (any longer). Shelters, boarding kennels and vets near you often take in found animals temporarily or tell you where the animal can go. Choose your municipality and call first: a place is not always available.

What to do first with a found animal

  1. Keep the animal safe

    A quiet, closed room, water and some food. Keep dogs on a lead and cats in a carrier or a room.

  2. Have the microchip scanned

    Every vet and every shelter reads a chip for free. With the chip number they find the owner through DogID or CatID.

  3. Post a "Found" report

    Neighbours missing their pet are notified at once and the report appears on the map. Free, no account needed.

Post a "Found" report Step-by-step plan "Found a pet"

Good to know

May I keep an animal I've found?
No, a found animal remains its owner's property. Report it to the municipality or the police zone and to the shelter. They agree where the animal waits until the owner collects it.
What does a shelter do with a found animal?
The shelter reads the chip, notifies the owner and takes the animal in. Many municipalities have a contract with one shelter: call the municipality if you do not know which.
Is a boarding kennel free for a found animal?
Usually not: a kennel is a paid service. Agree beforehand who pays, often the owner when collecting. Ask the shelter or the municipality too.
The animal is injured or ill. What now?
Go to the nearest vet at once, also out of hours. The vet treats the animal and reads the chip.