Owner surrenders must have an appointment. All animal intake is closed Monday.


No one wants to experience the terrible feeling of losing a treasured pet. Each year approximately 10,000 animals are placed in our care. Due to the high volume of animals we receive and the possibility of your animal being categorized as a different breed, we will not attempt to identify your pet over the phone.

For your convenience, PawBoost is the new City approved "Lost and Found Pets" free online reporting system. Register or look for your lost or found pet using their site.

PawBoost is like an AMBER Alert for lost & found pets. Over 3 million pet lovers have signed up for their local lost & found pet alerts. 

PawBoost button

Once submitted to PawBoost, your pet will be visible on PawBoost website as well as on their official Arlington Lost Dogs, Cats & Pets Facebook page.

More Links

Receiving Animals

Stray intakes at the Animal Services center are worked in based on owner surrender appointments. Stray animal intakes are processed through 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday, and through 3:15 p.m. on Saturdays. Holidays may affect this schedule. All animal intake is closed Monday

Options for Found/Lost Pets and Finders

Help Us Help the Pet

  1. Can you hold on to the the pet for 24 hours to see if you can find the owner? 
  2. Can you post the pet's picture on community groups, PawBoost, and social media?
  3. Can you walk the neighborhood near where the pet was found and ask if anyone knows who the pet belongs to?

Stray Foster

Pets that are friendly and potentially good adoption candidates can be fostered through their stray hold period while working to find an adopter or rescue organization for the pet.  

Stray to Shelter

If unable to hold on to the pet, and it must be dropped off, please share information and photos about the found pet on social media, NextDoor, and any/all community groups, if able. Each animal is assessed on a case-by-case basis for adoption, rescue, or humane euthanasia after their stray hold period.

The Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT) provides the following tips on preventative measures:

  • When walking your dog, be sure to keep the leash looped around your wrist to prevent escape.
  • Check your fence regularly to make sure it’s escape proof.
  • Make sure your pet knows basic commands and practice them often. For example – if he/she starts to dart out an open door – say SIT.
  • Always make sure your pet’s collar fits snuggly without being too tight – this will prevent the leash and collar from slipping off during a walk.
  • Have two sets of collars and tags – so if you take one off to wash it, you can put the other one on immediately. Be sure to use a cell number when you can.
  • Don’t leave pets in unattended vehicles – they can easily become overheated – and well meaning people may not know how quickly you plan to return and take the animal thinking they are helping it.
  • Have your pet spayed or neutered – this will help discourage them from wandering off and becoming lost.
  • Check the information on your animal’s tags and make sure it’s still easy to read. Be sure to update the vet, the microchip registry, and your tags if you move or change your number.
  • Never leave an animal on a chain or tether – not only is it illegal in many places – it is not a safe way to contain an animal and may lead to the animal being stolen or lost.
  • Be sure to have up to date photos of your pet in case you need to identify him/her.

If you have LOST a pet…

  • Visit the Animal Services Center each day to determine if your pet has been impounded.

The HSNT provides the following helpful information if you have lost a pet:

  • Check with neighbors immediately.

Don’t assume your animal still has on its tags but just in case, call the vet, microchip company, or whomever is on the tags and alert them that your friend is missing.
Run an ad in the Star-Telegram.
Consider magnetic signs for your car – particularly powerful if you have a large photo.
Check this site: SPCA of Texas
Post signs or posters in places such as:

  • Vet clinics
  • Schools
  • Laundry mats
  • Groomers
  • Dog parks
  • Be sure to check with property owners and verify posting legalities with the city code compliance ordinance.

Do NOT give up! Pets can sometimes be re-united in days, weeks, months or sometimes even years. If you find your pet please be sure to go back and let everyone know. This will stop you from getting inquiries and will allow shelter staff to work off of current information.

If you have FOUND a pet…

Arlington Animal Services scans animals for a microchip to help reunite the lost pet with their owner. Please contact us at 817-459-5898 for more information, or email us at [email protected].