Lost & Found Pets

If you’ve found a stray animal, thank you for helping! Here’s how to take the next steps to reunite them with their family:

1. Check for ID Tags & Microchips

• Look for a collar with contact information or a city license tag.
• If no tags are found, take the pet to a local veterinary office or microchip scanning station (you’ll find Pet Helpers scanners at James Island Town Hall, Gold Star Coffee (Johns Island and the Daniel Island Public Library) to have the animal scanned for free.
• If a microchip is found, follow the on-screen instructions or contact the registry listed to reach the pet’s owner directly.

2. Determine Which Shelter Serves the Area
If you are unable to locate the owner, the next step is to determine which shelter should receive the animal. Shelter intake areas are determined by jurisdiction, or where the animal was found, based on municipal contracts and funding.

• Pet Helpers accepts stray animals found within unincorporated Charleston County.
• Please note: Effective June 1, 2026, Pet Helpers has implemented a temporary moratorium on canine intake. While we remain available to assist with lost-and-found resources and reunification efforts, we are currently unable to accept stray or found dogs.
• Other area shelters serve pets found within the city limits of Charleston, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant.
• Use the Charleston MapNet Tool to determine whether the location where the animal was found falls within city limits or unincorporated Charleston County to learn which shelter is responsible for the intake.

3. Post the Pet Online
Share the pet’s photo and information on local lost and found pages such as PawBoost, Nextdoor, Facebook Lost & Found Pet Groups, and Petco Love Lost to reach the widest audience possible.

4. Notify Local Shelters & Animal Control
Even if you plan to keep the pet temporarily while looking for the owner, notify nearby shelters and animal control agencies that you have found a pet so they can cross-check any lost reports.

5. Temporarily House the Pet
If it is safe and you are able, keep the pet at home while you continue to search for the owner. This can help reduce stress on the animal and avoid unnecessary time in a crowded shelter environment.