Found Pets in Ottawa
Ottawa’s mix of downtown neighbourhoods and outlying rural areas means lost pets travel surprising distances. A single sighting report can turn a multi-day search into an hours-long one.
Updated live · See lost pets in Ottawa
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dog spotted
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What to do if you find a stray in Ottawa
- 1
If the pet seems safe to approach, check for a collar and tag
A visible phone number or tag is often the fastest path to reuniting the pet with their family.
- 2
Take a clear photo and note the exact location
Photos are the single biggest factor in matching a stray to a lost-pet listing.
- 3
Post the sighting on Lost.ca
One minute, no account required. Your post is visible to every owner searching Ottawa.
- 4
Take the pet to a shelter or vet to scan for a microchip
Most shelters scan for free. Vets can also check the microchip registry.
- 5
If you can safely hold the pet, do so
Many owners aren't nearby to pick up immediately. If you can't hold them, at least mark where and when you saw them.
Shelters and rescues near Ottawa
Contacting local shelters is one of the most important steps in reuniting a lost pet. Many shelters only hold stray animals for 72 hours, so call the ones nearest where your pet was last seen as soon as you can. Lost.ca partners with humane societies and shelters across Canada, and many now post the strays they take in on Lost.ca too, which is why owners often spot their pet in this feed before the shelter calls.
Lost pet resources in Ottawa
Who to call in Ottawa when a pet goes missing or is found: the municipal service that takes in strays, the found-animals list to check every day, and the local humane society.
Good to know: Stray dogs are picked up by City By-law (call 311) and taken to the Ottawa Humane Society, which posts photos of found animals and holds strays for three full days before adoption assessment.
Details taken from the official websites. If something has changed, let us know.
Frequently asked questions
I found a pet in Ottawa. What should I do?
Take a clear photo, note the exact location, and post a sighting on Lost.ca. It takes under a minute and doesn't require an account. You can also take the pet to a local Ottawa shelter or vet to scan for a microchip.
Do I need an account to post a sighting?
No. Posting a sighting is anonymous by default. You can optionally share your email or phone if you're willing to be contacted by the pet's owner.
What if the pet ran off before I could get close?
Post the sighting anyway with the direction the pet was heading and any description you remember. Owners search the Found feed constantly, and even a rough direction helps.
Is it safe to approach a stray?
Use your judgement. A scared stray can bite. If the pet seems calm, check for a collar. If not, keep a safe distance, note the location, and post a sighting. The owner can take it from there.
How long do sightings stay visible?
Sightings remain on the Found feed until an owner claims them or until the auto-moderator removes them if they're flagged as inaccurate.
Nearby cities
Lost pets often travel surprising distances. Check nearby communities too:
Helpful guides
Short guides for finders. If you have a pet with you or just spotted one, these cover the essentials.
You found a pet in Ottawa?
A quick post with a photo and location can reunite a pet with their family within hours. No account needed.
Post a sighting