Lost or found a pet? We're here to help.
What to Do If You’ve Lost a Pet
If you have lost a pet, please call the shelter at your earliest available opportunity at (703) 931-9241 and check our Found Pets page.
We are required to hold stray animals (animals that do not have an identified owner) for 5-10 days, depending on if they have 'signs of ownership,' which can be a collar, microchip, a spay/neuter tattoo, etc. After this holding period, any stray animal can be put up for adoption, transferred to another shelter, put into a foster home, and in rare cases, euthanized (only if serious medical issues exist or there are issues of aggression).
Tips For Finding Your Lost Pet
File A Lost Report
Filling out our lost pet form is a crucial step in finding your missing family member. By providing detailed information about your pet, such as their appearance, personality, and last known location, you enable us to create a comprehensive profile that can help identify them quickly. This form also connects your pet’s details to our shelter database, allowing us to notify you if a matching pet is brought in or reported by others. Additionally, it equips our staff and volunteers with the information needed to assist in your search and share your pet’s details with the community. Taking a few minutes to complete the form increases the chances of reuniting with your beloved pet and ensures we can provide the best possible support.
Check Found Reports
It's important to regularly check for your pet on our Found Pet page and the PetCo Love Lost page.
On AWLA's site, please note if the animal says “In custody” it means the animal is in the custody of AWLA. If it says “found report” under the animal, it means we have received a found report for this animal, but it is not in our custody. Our website updates this list in real time.
How To Reclaim Your Pet at AWLA
In order to identify and reclaim your lost pet, you must do the following, according to the Arlington County code and animal shelter requirements:
- Visit the shelter in person or call AWLA at (703) 931-9241. After regular business hours, call this number and stay on the line to speak to our answering service.
- Owners should bring the following items with them to pick up their pet:
- Proof of ownership such as multiple photographs or veterinary records.
- For dogs: a copy of their dog license (if the owner is an Arlington County resident). If owners do not have a current dog license, then they must bring a copy of their rabies vaccination certificate and apply for a license at the animal shelter before taking the dog home. The fee for a license is $10 for a one year license.
- For dogs and cats: written proof of current rabies vaccination. A rabies tag cannot serve as proof of current vaccination. If the owner does not have proof of a current rabies vaccination, a $25 deposit is required that will be refunded if the owner supplies proof of current rabies vaccination to the animal shelter within 14 days of reclaiming the animal.
- A leash or carrier to safely transport your pet home.
- Pay boarding fees: a boarding fee of $40 per calendar day your pet is in the shelter must be paid to the shelter. If you are facing financial hardship and unable to pay the boarding fees, please call AWLA at (703) 931-9241 to speak with a team member.
What to Do If You’ve Found a Pet
You can significantly increase the chances of reuniting the pet with their family by following the steps below.
The majority of lost or stray animals have families who love them and are typically found less than one mile from their homes. To keep pet families together, it is best to try to locate a lost pet’s family prior to bringing the animal to the shelter. On average, only 3-4% of the stray cats and only 15-20% of the stray dogs brought to the shelter are returned to their owners.
DOGS & SMALL COMPANION PETS (RABBITS, GUINEA PIGS, ETC):

If you are unable to locate an owner or unable to continue caring for the found animal:
CATS FOUND OUTDOORS:

KITTENS FOUND OUTDOORS:

When you find stray kittens, their best chance at survival is leaving them where they are and waiting for their mom. Do not pick them up or move them until you’ve reviewed our Kitten Information page.
File A Found Report
Submitting a Found Pets Report is an essential step in helping a lost pet find their way back home. By providing details about the pet you’ve found—such as their appearance, location where they were found, and any unique identifiers—you allow us to create a profile that connects to our database of lost pets. This helps us quickly identify potential matches and notify the pet’s owner. Reporting also ensures the pet’s information is shared with our community, increasing the likelihood of a reunion. Your action not only gives peace of mind to a worried owner but also helps ensure the pet stays safe while waiting to be reunited.
Local Area Animal Shelters
If you live outside of Arlington County or Falls Church City, VA, please refer to this map to other area animal shelters.