The shelter offers services to the community to help reunite lost pets with their owners. Shelter staff log every call made to the shelter and write down descriptions of missing and found animals. Every day pets and their owners are "matched" using this simple system. In addition every animal that comes into the shelter is advertised in the Bonner County Daily Bee in the Lost/Found classified section. Any owner who has a pet that is missing is encouraged to call the shelter immediately!

Tips for Locating a Lost Pet The Shelter admits over 1,000 stray cats and dogs each year. Hundreds of other lost pets are reported by phone. Only a small percentage of these animals are reunited with their owners. Do not assume that your pet will find its way home. Maximize the chances for your pet's safe return by taking the following steps within 24 hours:

1. Call the Shelter immediately. Descriptions of animals may be very subjective so also stop by the Shelter to see if your pet has been admitted. Bring us a photograph. Call us again in a couple of days.

2. Contact your neighbors by phone, visit or note. Leave your name and phone number in case they see or hear of a stray pet later on.

3. Put up posters in highly visible locations along the road and at community bulletin boards. Include a photo if you can.

4. Call the newspaper to place a free lost pet ad in the classified section. Paid photo ads and reward offers are even more effective.

5. Call radio and television stations to have a report of your lost pet included in public service announcements.

6. Call your City Police and County Sheriff's dispatchers to see if they have received a report of an impounded, found, injured or trespassing animal. If you suspect your pet has been the victim of theft, poisoning, shooting or trapping, file a report with law enforcement authorities. If you believe your pet may have been impounded, ask to speak with the Animal Control Officer.

7. Call your County and City Road Departments to see if they are aware of any animals that may have been hit by a car in your vicinity.

8. Call local veterinary clinics to see if they have treated or received a report of a lost or injured pet.

9. Call authorities, shelters and veterinary clinics in neighboring cities and counties. If you are successful in your search, take preventive measures so your pet will not be lost again. Provide proper restraint, supervision and identification, and keep a current photograph of each of your pets.

Call us at 208-265-PAWS (7297) to get a FREE identification tag for your pet (local residents only please).