Currently, we can only accept sick or injured found pets and pregnant cats.

Please complete a pet found report at the Care Center to help get a pet back home.

Did You Find Kittens?

Every spring, our shelter is overrun with found kittens. Most kittens do not need rescuing. Learn more about what to do when you find kittens. 

Finding a Lost Pet

CAN YOU HELP US HELP STRAY PETS?

Can you provide a safe, loving home to the stray pet you just found? If so, we can support you with leashes, bedding, food, toys, etc.

After-hours Found Stray Pets

If the pet is injured and needs medical help, and you cannot safely transport it, report it immediately.  

If you CAN safely transport an injured, sick or pregnant stray animal in incorporated cities of San José, Cupertino, Milpitas, or Saratoga after 5 p.m. and before 10 a.m., you can take it to MedVet Campbell, 905 Dell Avenue. Campbell, CA, or call 408-371-6252.

Please do not bring healthy stray pets to our after-hours partner. Instead, please safely house the found pet until our Center re-opens the next day at 10 a.m., then follow the instructions below. 

Found Stray Pet during Shelter Open Hours

If you found a healthy stray pet in the incorporated cities of San José, Cupertino, Milpitas, or Saratoga please bring it to our Animal Care Center at 2750 Monterey Road, San Jose, CA, where we can scan the pet and discuss options with you, including how we could provide you resources to house the pet in your care. 

Here are other ways to help a found stray: 

• Check the animal for any ID tags on their collar.  There may be a phone number or address for the animal. 

• Check for any pet license tags. If the tag was issued from us, the tag will be silver in color. There will be a series of numbers listed. Please email SJRescue@sanjoseca.gov if you find one of these license tags. One of our staff members will then contact the owner.

• Reach out to your local veterinarian to ask if they can provide a free microchip scan. If successful, veterinarians will reach out to us so we can help unite the pet. 

• Talk to neighbors in the area where the animal was found.  See if they recognize the animal and have owner information. Post the found pet locally using flyers at local coffee shops, grocery stores, on localized social platforms, like NextDoor. 

• There are many lost pet social media groups, search your favorite social media platforms for Lost and Found pet group pages and submit the stray pet's story to the appropriate group. 

• If someone is claiming ownership, please arrange the meet up at a public place like our Center or your local police or fire station.

Reclaim Fees

Any person reclaiming their pet is asked for the below fees and may have applicable penalties. Reuniting you with your family member is our top priority, however we are required to collect the following fees:

The owner of the reclaimed pet could also charged an additional $6 rabies vaccination fee, if not up to date and could be charged the unspayed/unneutered State Fine unless they show veterinary proof of spay/neuter at the time of reclaim.  

*Unspayed/unneutered pets only - The state-mandated penalty imposed by the State Food & Agricultural Code 31751.7 & 30804.7 requires city Animal Control agencies to penalize owners of impounded, unaltered dogs and cats. By law, monies collected are to be allocated for spay/neuter programs, education, and administration cost recovery.

Tips to Finding your Lost Pet

• Search for Status: "Stray Wait" on PetCompass. PRO TIP: Didn't find your pet under Stray Wait? Remove status and search again. Use sorting tools in top right to go in order of arrival dates. 
• Tell your neighbors that you've lost your pet, provide pictures and how you can be reached. 
• There are many lost pet social media groups, search your favorite social media platforms for Lost and Found pet group pages and submit your pet's picture and description to the appropriate group. 
• Fill out a Lost Pet Flier, and post it where your pet was last seen.
• If your pet is microchipped and is missing please register your information at https://www.my24pet.com/.
• Don't give up hope. Some pets go missing for months before they are found by their owners / guardians.