Lost & Found Pets

The Peninsula SPCA strongly recommends microchipping your pet in the event that your pet ever happens to get lost to help ensure your pet makes it home safely. If your pet is already microchipped, make sure to keep your contact information up to date. Microchipping services are provided at our clinic as an add-on service with a regular appointment, and we periodically provide pop-up microchip clinics as a low-cost option for the public. Click here to view clinic services.

My pet is missing! What do I do?

Search for your pet: The first 48 hours can be a critical time for finding your pet, so start looking as soon as you can. When searching, make sure to take into consideration hiding places for your pet, like in bushes, under cars, etc. Chances are they will not be out in the open.

Spread the word: Let your neighbors know by going door to door, notify Animal Control, and reach out to nearby veterinary offices and pet supply stores. Make flyers that include a clear photo of your pet. Also, make sure to reach out to Animal Control in surrounding areas. It can be surprising how far your pet can travel. If your pet is microchipped, make sure you provide your pet’s microchip number to every shelter and vet that you contact.

Post online and share on social media: The PSPCA proudly partners with Petco Love Lost, an online resource that allows you to search the national database of lost and found pets and create lost pet alerts. Access Petco Love Lost and other online resources below:

Additional Resources for Lost and Found Pets:

Bring out what’s familiar: Pets can sometimes get startled and run off, or perhaps get too distracted by a curious smell, and find themselves disoriented in unfamiliar territory when the moment has passed. Use your pet’s keen senses to your advantage and bring out what’s familiar to them to help them find their way home. If your dog is missing and you have another dog at home, bring their best buddy out with you when you’re looking to help your lost pet find their way to you. This can also be helpful if your lost dog happens to be shy around other humans. For cats, it’s recommended to put their dirty litter box outside or stinky wet food to help them smell their way back.

We always recommend going to your local and nearby municipal shelter to look in person since descriptions of animals can be interpreted differently over the phone. Keep in mind if your pet has been lost for some time, their appearance may have changed and dirt can prevent identifying certain markings. Stray & found animals are housed at the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter (PRAS) which is operated by the City of Newport News and funded by Newport News, Hampton, York County, and Poquoson. If you have lost a pet, please contact the Regional Shelter at (757) 933-8900.

Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter

5843 Jefferson Avenue
Newport News, VA 23605
757-933-8900
Website

You can learn more about the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter and lost pets at https://www.nnva.gov/2336/Lost-Found-Animals

I found a pet! What do I do?

The Peninsula SPCA does not hold stray or found animals picked up by citizens or Animal Control, but we will provide microchip scanning services.

City Animal Services

Contact your local municipality to report an animal who appears to be lost.

  • Newport News / Poquoson: 757-595-7387
  • Hampton: 757-727-6111
  • York County: 757-890-3601

The Peninsula SPCA does not receive funding from local municipalities. We are supported entirely through private donations from our community’s citizens and businesses. We are pleased to work together with Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter (PRAS) and other local municipal and private animal shelters and rescues to find forever homes for the animals in need in our community.