Helping Pets Find Their Homes

Finding a lost pet can be an emotional moment—not just for the animal, but for their families and the person who discovers them. Every year, countless dogs and cats go missing in Iredell County and the surrounding areas, leaving their families desperate for news.

Acting quickly and following proven steps can make all the difference in reuniting pets with their rightful owners. By knowing how to safely contain the animal, check for identification, report the find, and spread the word through the proper channels, you become an essential link in the chain that brings them home.

These efforts not only ease the stress for the pet and their family but also help reduce the strain on local shelters and rescues, making our community safer and more compassionate for animals. The Petco Love Lost website helps reunite lost pets with their owners and provides useful tips.

1. Secure and Check the Animal

• Safely contain the pet if possible (e.g., a fenced yard, garage, or carrier).
• Check for visible collar tags that might provide owner contact information.

NOTE: Be cautious—if the animal shows signs of aggression, or if you have other pets at home, keep them separated and contact Animal Control if needed. Your safety and the safety of your family and pets are paramount.

2. Scan for a Microchip

• Take the animal to a veterinarian or an animal shelter to scan for a microchip. We also have a microchip scanner at Piedmont Animal Rescue.

3. Use Online Lost & Found Pet Platforms

• Snap a picture and upload it to Petco Love Lost. If there’s no immediate match, create a listing and share it on lost pet pages or groups on Facebook, Craigslist, and Nextdoor.
• Use the 24Petconnect website to report the found pet to Iredell County Animal Services.