Safety Tips
Reuniting with a lost pet — or returning a found one — usually goes smoothly, but a few simple precautions keep everyone safe. Please read these tips before arranging a meeting.
Protect your personal information
- Share only what’s needed to identify the pet.
- Don’t publish full microchip or ID numbers publicly — ask claimants to provide them instead.
- Use the listing’s contact options rather than posting sensitive details in the description.
Meeting safely
- Meet in a public, well-lit place, or at a vet or shelter.
- Bring a friend if you can.
- Verify ownership by asking for a description of distinctive marks or a photo before handing a pet over.
Avoiding scams
- Be cautious of anyone asking for payment or a “shipping fee” to return a pet.
- Never send money to claim or recover a pet.
- Report suspicious messages and trust your instincts.
Frequently asked questions
How do I verify someone really owns the pet?
Ask them to describe distinctive markings, provide a prior photo, or share microchip details before you arrange a meeting.
Someone is asking me to pay to get my pet back — is that normal?
No. Legitimate finders and shelters don’t charge a fee to return a pet. Treat payment requests as a red flag.