Lost & Found Pets in Hamilton County
Last Updated: August 2026
If you’ve lost or found a pet in Hamilton County, report it to the Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC) as soon as possible. HSHC maintains online listings of pets reported lost and animals that have been found or brought to the shelter.
Quick Answer
Humane Society for Hamilton County
10501 Hague Road
Fishers, IN 46038
Phone: 317-773-4974
Report or Search for a Lost or Found Pet
→ View Hamilton County Animal Control
If You’ve Lost a Pet
Start by filing a Lost Report with HSHC.
HSHC also recommends:
- Checking the shelter in person
- Searching your immediate neighborhood
- Checking under porches, decks and bushes for missing cats
- Contacting your pet’s microchip company
- Posting on local lost-pet and social-media groups
- Contacting local Animal Control or law enforcement
- Checking with nearby veterinary clinics
Don’t rely only on an online description. HSHC recommends visiting the shelter because breed, size and color descriptions can vary.
If You’ve Found a Pet
First check the animal for tags or identification.
If there’s no identification, a veterinarian or HSHC can scan the animal for a microchip.
You should also:
- Check with nearby neighbors
- File a Found Report with HSHC
- Post the pet on local lost-and-found groups
- Contact local Animal Control when needed
Hamilton County’s animal ordinance requires someone who finds a stray animal to notify the Humane Society within 48 hours.
Need a Stray Animal Picked Up?
The Humane Society does not provide stray-animal pickup.
Contact the appropriate local law-enforcement agency or Hamilton County Animal Control for pickup. If the animal isn’t dangerous and you can safely contain it, Animal Control recommends placing it in a secure area while waiting for assistance.
→ View Animal Control Contacts
Is Your Pet at the Shelter?
HSHC’s Found Pets page includes both:
- Animals in Custody – animals currently being held by HSHC
- Found Reports – animals reported found by members of the public
If you think your pet may be there, HSHC recommends visiting the shelter to look in person.
Reclaiming Your Pet
If your pet is at HSHC, you’ll need to provide identification and proof of ownership.
Examples include:
- Veterinary records
- Adoption or purchase records
- Photos of you with the pet
- Other evidence of ownership
HSHC currently charges a minimum $45 Return to Owner Fee. Additional boarding fees can apply after the first 24 hours.
Hamilton County requires stray animals brought to HSHC to be held for seven days. After that period, an unclaimed animal becomes the property of the Humane Society and may be placed for adoption.
→ View Hamilton County Animal Shelters
Microchipping Your Pet
A microchip can make it much easier for a shelter or veterinarian to identify a lost pet and contact you.
HSHC currently offers public microchipping for $35 with no appointment required during operating hours.
Learn About HSHC Microchipping
Local Tips
- File a Lost or Found Report as soon as possible.
- Check HSHC’s online listings frequently.
- Visit the shelter in person if your pet is missing.
- Search very close to home first, especially for missing cats.
- Make sure your microchip contact information is current.
- Don’t assume a found pet was abandoned — the owner may already be searching for it.
- Contact Animal Control rather than trying to handle an aggressive stray yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I report a lost pet in Hamilton County?
File a Lost Report with the Humane Society for Hamilton County.
Where can I see pets that have been found?
HSHC maintains a current Found Pets listing.
Does the Humane Society pick up stray animals?
No. Contact your local law-enforcement agency or Animal Control for stray pickup.
Can I keep a pet I found?
Don’t simply assume ownership of a found animal. Hamilton County requires the finder of a stray to notify the Humane Society within 48 hours, and HSHC advises filing a Found Report so the animal can be matched with an owner searching for it.
How long does HSHC hold a stray?
Hamilton County requires a seven-day holding period beginning on the date the animal is brought to the shelter.
Related Pages
→ Animal Control
→ Animal Shelters
→ Pet Adoption
→ Local Vets
→ Pet Licensing
Official Resources
Humane Society for Hamilton County – Lost & Found Pets
Instructions for reporting, searching for and reclaiming pets.
HSHC Lost Pets
Pets currently reported missing by their owners.
HSHC Found Pets
Animals currently in custody and pets reported found.
Hamilton County Animal Control
Local information for stray-animal pickup and Animal Control contacts.
Hamilton County Animal Control
Summary
If you’ve lost a pet in Hamilton County, file a Lost Report with the Humane Society for Hamilton County and check its current shelter listings frequently.
If you’ve found a stray, notify HSHC within 48 hours and file a Found Report. For stray pickup, contact Hamilton County Animal Control or the appropriate local law-enforcement agency.
Related:
Licensing helps return lost pets faster…