Found a lost pet?
If you’ve found a lost dog or cat in the UK, follow these steps to help reunite them safely.
Whether they have a tag or not, you can help get them home safely.
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Start here
If you’ve found a lost dog or cat, follow these steps first:
Only approach a if the pet seems calm. Never put yourself at risk.
Signs of nervousness or aggression (growling, tucked tail, teeth showing? Stay back and contact your local dog warden or RSPCA instead.
If the animal is injured, in danger, or on a road – call a vet or emergency services immediately.
Check for a tag
Look for a collar or ID tag with contact details.
Keep them safe
Move the pet away from roads and keep them calm.
Contact the owner
Call or text the number if one is provided.
Stay nearby
Owners are often searching the local area.
If the pet has a Bounde Tag
If the pet is wearing a Bounde NFC tag:
This is the fastest way to reach the owner if the pet is wearing a Bounde tag.
- Tap the tag with your phone
- Their profile will open instantly
- You can call, text, or send a message to the owner
No app is required – it works with most modern smartphones.
If there's no tag
If you can’t find contact details, there are still ways to help.
A local vet can help
Every vet, rescue, or animal warden can scan a pet's microchip and contact the registered owner.
A veterinary practice or rescue is typically the safest place for a lost pet, and offers one of the quickest ways to identify a pet without visible contact details.
Things to keep in mind
- Do not put yourself at risk
- Approach carefully if the pet is nervous
- Avoid letting them roam again
- Keep them secure until help arrives
For dogs:
By law, dogs must be microchipped. You must report a stray dog to your local council’s dog warden. The easiest way to alert your council to a stray dog is the government’s online portal.
For cats:
Microchipping is also compulsory for cats in England, however there is not yet a government reporting tool for cats. You should still contact the nearest vet or rescue centre.
Social media & community tips:
Post clear photos (face, body, any distinct markings) with location and time in local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, or similar apps.
You can also check recent posts, in the same groups, the owner may have already posted about them.
Temporary care basics:
- Offer water, and food if they’ll take it
- Keep them secure and warm
- It is a criminal offence in the UK to keep a stray dog or cat with no reasonable attempt to return the pet.
Most pets are reunited quickly
In many cases, owners are already searching nearby.
Taking a few simple steps can make a significant difference in helping a pet return home quickly and safely.
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Help others return lost pets safely.
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Why modern tags help
Traditional engraved tags are fixed.
Modern systems, like Bounde, allow owners to:
- keep their contact details up to date
- choose how they are contacted
- be reached instantly when their pet is found
- provide additional information, not possible with standard tags
This removes delays and confusion when it matters most.
