Lost & Found

Act Fast! Shelters are required to keep lost animals without identification only four days and with identification only seven days before adopting out or euthanizing the animal.

Here's what you can do:

• Come to The Humane Society of Kent County to file a lost report. If this is not immediately possible, call (616) 453-8900 ext. 216 to file a report over the phone.
  
  
• Go to the Kent County Animal Shelter (711 Ball St. NE, near the County Jail). If this is not immediately possible, call (616) 336-3209.
  
  
• Go to both shelters as often as possible. This is especially important if your pet is a cross-breed and thus difficult to describe. Although the agencies try their best to screen all animals that come to them, the owner is the best identification resource.
  
  
• Check neighbor's yards, both front and back. If you've lost a cat, ask neighbors to check their basements, garages, and cars.
  
  
• Talk to as many people as possible. Ask if they have seen your pet. Let them know that you are concerned.
  
  
• Search for your pet especially in the early morning hours (3 a.m. - 5 a.m.) when it is quiet. Your pet may be able to hear you calling and you may be able to hear their sounds or movement.
  
  
• Set up a temporary comfort station (provide a bed, food, and water) near your home to encourage your pet to stay in the area if he or she returns while you are gone.
  
  
• Alert your postal carrier.
  
  
• Put a "Lost" ad in area newspapers.
  
  
• Distribute posters that include a description of your pet, where he or she was lost, your phone number, a photo of the animal, and a reward.
  
  
• If you live near the county line, visit the shelter or the animal control facility in the neighboring county as well.
  
  
• Check the "Lost and Found" section of area newspapers every day.
  
  
• Check your neighborhood veterinary clinics, in the event your injured pet was taken to one of them.
  
  
• Check those agencies nearest you which pick up dead animals:
  
  Grand Rapids Refuse Dept.: (616) 456-3239
  (covers all City of Grand Rapids streets)
  
  Grandville: (616) 538-1990
  
  Kent County Road Commission: (616) 242-6900
  (covers all main roads and freeways)
  
  Kentwood: (616) 698-6580 or (616) 696-9610
  
  Lowell: (616) 897-8541 or (616) 897-5929
  
  East Grand Rapids: (616) 949-2110 ext. 205
  
  Rockford: (616) 451-2724
  
  Sparta: (616) 887-7331
  
  Walker: (616) 453-6311
  
  Wyoming: (616) 530-7260
  
  Cedar Springs: (616) 696-1330