Lost & Found Dogs
All stray dogs picked up by Franklin County Animal Care & Control Officers are brought to the:
Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center
4340 Tamarack Blvd, Columbus, Ohio 43229
What to Do if You Have Lost Your Dog?
If you have lost your dog, visit the Dog Shelter daily to look for your dog. Due to the large number of dogs received daily at the Shelter, we are unable to positively identify or answer questions about lost dogs over the phone.
Visit PetFBI.org to see dogs that may have come into the shelter each day.
By state law unlicensed dogs are only required to be held for three days. Dogs wearing a current Franklin County dog license will be held at the Shelter for up to fourteen days.
Every attempt is made to reunite the lost dog with its owner. After the waiting period, dogs are evaluated for adoption or release to a reputable rescue group. Unadoptable dogs may be euthanized.
Lost Dogs
View the photos of unidentified lost dogs.
Pet FBI is a free information center for lost and found dogs, cats and all other pets.
Their site allows you to search their user-friendly database, post your own report and get automatic alerts, and learn what to do and who to contact if you find a stray dog.
If you see a dog that may be yours, please come to the shelter immediately to identify and reclaim it. Due to the large number of dogs received daily at the Shelter, we are unable to positively identify or answer questions about lost dogs over the phone.
Other Tips on Finding Your Lost Dog
Reclaiming Your Lost Dog
Lost Dog Reclaim Policies
To claim a lost dog from the Shelter you must be eighteen years of age or older and have a valid picture I.D. We accept cash or card payment for redemptions.
It would be helpful for you to bring proof of a current dog license and rabies immunization for your pet, as well as verification that your dog has been spayed or neutered. If there is no proof of the dog's rabies vaccination, our veterinary staff will re-immunize the dog before releasing the animal.
Lost Dog Reclaim Fees
For spayed/neutered dogs the cost of reclaim includes a one-time $20 impound fee, plus $20 boarding fee for each day that the dog has been impounded.
For unaltered dogs the cost of reclaim includes a one-time $40 impound fee, plus a $20 boarding fee for each day that the dog has been impounded.
If the dog does not have a current franklin county dog license or rabies tag one can be purchased at the shelter.
Reduced fees and/or financial assistance for lost dog reclaim fees may be available. Please ask a staff member for more information.
You may now purchase a microchip for $10 upon reclaiming your lost dog. Microchips trace the dog back to the owner's information upon scanning a dog for a chip, making it easier for you to get your dog back.
What to Do if You Have Found a Dog
Check for a Dog License Tag
Call us at 614-525-3400 with the tag number. We will look up the name, address and phone number of the owner for you. It is very possible that the dog's owner lives nearby and the animal can be returned to the owner without Animal Control being involved.
Look up the dog's license tag number online and track down the dog's owner.
Keep the Dog, but File a Found Dog Report
If you find a dog that is not wearing a license tag and you wish to provide a temporary home, post a "Found" report on PetFBI.org and call the Dog Shelter at 614-525-DOGS (3647). Give the shelter all of the available information on the dog, including a description of the dog, the date and location where he was found, and your contact information. If possible, include a photo of the dog to show us exactly what he or she looks like. A Found Report will be posted at the Shelter for people searching for a lost dog.
Other Animals
The Franklin County Department of Animal Care & Control enforces only dog laws, and has no authority to deal with problems associated with cats running loose. For information concerning lost and found cats, please contact the Columbus Humane at 614-777-7387. Stray cats may be taken to the Humane Society.
For more information concerning wildlife problems, please contact the Ohio Division of Wildlife at 614-481-6300.