City of Cape Town Link

Find your lost pet

<div class="ExternalClass950759A06F1041D19B7D9950B643DF85"><p>If you have lost a dog or cat, you can use CityPetFinder to try to find him or her. </p></div>

<span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Using CityPetFinder</h2></span> <p> <a href="https://web1.capetown.gov.za/web1/LostPetsOnline/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">CityPetFinder<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> uses a single database of animals in the care of the City’s registered animal organisations (RAOs). Find a list of registered animal rescue organisations <a href="https://web1.capetown.gov.za/web1/LostPetsOnline/Pages/ContactUsList.aspx" target="_blank">here<i class="icon link-external"></i></a></p><p>When you enter the physical details of your lost pet, <a href="https://web1.capetown.gov.za/web1/LostPetsOnline/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">CityPetFinder<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> will allow you to see all possible matches of animals found by these organisations.</p> <span> <div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info toptip"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Top tip</h4><p>For information and advice, contact the City's Animal Control Unit on <em><a>021 596 1999</a></em> (24/7, toll free) <em><a>0800 225 669</a></em>, or reach out to one of our registered animal rescue organisations (RAOs).</p></div></div></span> <h4> How to search</h4><p>You will need to <a href="https://web1.capetown.gov.za/web1/LostPetsOnline/Account/Register.aspx" target="_blank">register<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> first, before you can login, publish information about your lost pet and search possible matches. </p><p>Once you have logged in, click on 'Add lost pet' to upload information about your pet and 'My lost pet listings' to review what you've submitted.</p><p>To browse, click on 'Search lost pet' for possible matches to your listing(s). </p><p>If you identify a pet on <a href="https://web1.capetown.gov.za/web1/LostPetsOnline/Pages/Home.aspx">CityPetFinder<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> as yours, contact the relevant RAO directly.</p><h4> Understanding search results</h4><p>When searching for a lost pet, <a href="https://web1.capetown.gov.za/web1/LostPetsOnline/Pages/Home.aspx">CityPetFinder</a> will return a list of possible matches. The search results will contain certain information, such as:</p><ul><li>RAO name and ID, </li><li>breed / cross breed</li><li>suburb found, and </li><li>contact details of where the pet is currently being held. </li></ul><p>The name, sex, size, microchip number etc. will only be viewable by the RAO. This is to prevent people from stealing a pet or using it for harmful or illegal purposes. </p> <span> <div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Please note</h4><p>If you post an image of your pet, only that individual as well as the RAOs will be able to view this image and not other members of the public – again, this is to protect the pet from thieves.</p></div></div></span> <p>If you see a pet on the system that you think is yours, contact the RAO to verify that the pet is yours, and arrange to fetch him or her. The RAO will do a security check by asking you for the name, sex, size, microchip, and possibly some more details. Once your pet is found, the RAO will remove your pet’s details from the database.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">If you have found someone's pet or stray animal</h2><h4> What to do:</h4><ul><li> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Local%20and%20communities/Community-health-and-safety/Animal-safety-in-the-community/Domestic-pets-in-the-community">Be careful of the animal </a>– take note of possible warning signs such as baring of teeth and growling. </li><li>Approach all strange dogs with caution and adopt a non-threatening and inviting attitude if trying to check for a collar.</li><li>Take the animal to a <a href="https://web1.capetown.gov.za/web1/LostPetsOnline/Pages/ContactUsList.aspx" target="_blank">registered animal organisation (RAO)<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> or request that it be collected by the RAO. We don’t allow anyone to post their own addresses to the general public on <a href="https://web1.capetown.gov.za/web1/LostPetsOnline/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">CityPetFinder<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> as this could encourage theft of animals by someone pretending to be the owner.</li><li>Only RAOs will be able to log found pets on <a href="https://web1.capetown.gov.za/web1/LostPetsOnline/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">CityPetFinder<i class="icon link-external"></i></a>. </li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Tips to avoid losing your pet </h2><p> The best action is prevention. <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Safety-in-the-home/Animal-safety-in-the-home/Pet-health-and-safety-in-the-home">Take care of your pet </a>and make sure pets won’t get lost.</p><ul><li>teach your pet a command such as ‘stop!’;</li><li>enclose your garden;</li><li>do not leave your animal in public places unattended;</li><li>have your pet micro-chipped or buy him/her a collar with your contact details engraved on it – speak to one of our registered RAOs or your local vet; and</li><li>make sure you exercise your pet sufficiently to keep it from roaming.</li></ul><p>Go to <a href="https://web1.capetown.gov.za/web1/LostPetsOnline/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">CityPetFinder online<i class="icon link-external"></i></a></p>

You can use the CityPetFinder app to help you find your lost pet.