If you find a sick or injured animal please contact the SPCA immediately on (09) 256 7300 so that they can advise you of the best steps to take If the animal you have found is not sick or injured please read the advice below for further information.
VISIT THE VETS:
Take the animal to the vets and ask them to scan it for a microchip. If the animal is microchipped then they will be able to quickly reunite it with it’s owner.
NZ COMPANION ANIMAL REGISTER:
Head to the NZCAR site (now merged with Lost Pet NZ) and search their national lost pet database.
CREATE A FLYER:
Make a flyer with a clear picture, description and your contact details. Distribute it locally via notice boards, mailboxes, neighbours, community centres etc.
ASK THE NEIGHBOURS:
Knocking on the door and asking neighbours if they own the animal or if they know who does can speed up the process of reuniting the animal with it’s owner
USE SOCIAL MEDIA:
Embrace the power of social media to spread the word and try to find the owners. There are plenty of lost and found pages on Facebook that can be used
CHECK TRADE ME:
Look on the Trade Me Lost & Found section to see if anyone is looking for their lost pet. You can also advertise your found animal on here for free.
DOGS:
If you have found a stray dog please contact Animal Control. If the animal is registered then they’ll be able to quickly reunite it with it’s owner. You may also want to visit your local council animal shelter and check their lost board.
BIRDS:
If you have found a bird please contact BirdCare Aotearoa who will be able to give you further advice on what to do – 027 816 9219.