Finding an animal alone does not always mean it has been abandoned. It may be lost, frightened, injured or simply exploring. Keep yourself and the animal safe, and contact the appropriate local service for advice.
What to do if you find an animal
- Put safety first. Do not approach an animal that is frightened, aggressive or injured if doing so could put anyone at risk. Be especially careful near roads.
- Contact the appropriate local service. For a stray dog, contact your local council or dog warden and follow their instructions. For other animals, contact a local veterinary practice or animal welfare organisation for advice.
- Ask for a microchip scan where safe and appropriate. A vet or authorised animal welfare service may be able to scan the animal and help identify its keeper.
- Record useful details. Note the general location, date and time, animal type, colour, markings and any collar or tag. Take a photograph only if it is safe.
- Share a found-animal report. A clear report can help an owner recognise their missing pet. Keep sensitive details private and do not publish your home address.
- Check possible matches carefully. Compare photos, markings, location and dates. Arrange any handover through a safe, appropriate process and ask for evidence of ownership.
Important: Local rules and arrangements can differ across the UK. Follow advice from your local authority, dog warden, vet or animal welfare service. Do not keep or rehome an animal without following the proper local process.
Share a found-animal report with ALFIK
ALFIK is a UK-wide lost-and-found animal platform. You can share a found-animal report with a photograph, description, general location and date, and search community reports for possible matches.
ALFIK does not replace local authority services, veterinary care or microchip databases. It is not an emergency response service and cannot guarantee an animal's owner will be identified.