Lost & found.
Losing a pet can be a very worrying and difficult time. You want to do all you can to find them. Below we suggest some ways you can try to help find your missing pet.
Animal Search UK
Any pet found by the RSPCA will be registered exclusively at www.animalsearchuk.co.uk The auto-matching system will help match any animals to owners who have registered their missing pets.
The RSPCA suggests you register your animal with Animal Search UK, to help reunite you should you pet ever go missing.
Lost pet
Losing a pet can be a very worrying and difficult time. You want to do all you can to find them. Below we suggest some ways you can try to help find your missing pet.
Pets reunited
The RSPCA suggests you register your animal with Animal Search UK, an online resource to reunite owners with their missing pets.
Another good site to register a lost/found pet with is Pets Reunited.
Local rescues & authorities
We also suggest you contact local vets to give them a description of your lost animal, and you make enquiries with your local RSPCA. For our Branch, this is 0300 999 7321 (daily, 9am to 4.30pm).
Also contact other rescues local to you, such as Cats Protection, Blue Cross and Dogs Trust as appropriate to the animal missing.
Stray dogs are the responsibility of your Local Authority so do give them a call. You could also contact your local police to ask if they are aware of a dog of that description being found.
National Help Line
You could consider putting up posters in your area with a picture of your pet and contact details, or using social media.
If you have exhausted all of the above or have information that the RSPCA may have picked up your animal, please call the National Cruelty and Help Line 0300 1234 999 (between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week).
Found animal
If you have found an animal and unsure what to do. We have given some helpful advice below for different types of animals.
Dogs
Collecting stray dogs is the responsibility of your local council, so please call their Dog Warden services directly. Unfortunately, the RSPCA cannot collect healthy stray dogs and we cannot accept stray dogs at our Animal Centre.
Cats
If the cat is not friendly and approachable, it may be a feral. These cats are able to look after themselves. So long as a feral cat is healthy, they will live happily outside.
If the cat is approachable and friendly, it may be a stray cat that belongs to someone. Read our FAQs below for guidance on what to do if you find a cat.
Small animals
If you have found a small animal such as a domestic rabbit, he or she may have escaped from their enclosure, or have been abandoned. If you cannot identify an owner, call us at the Animal Centre on 0300 999 7321.
Wildlife
If you have found sick or injured wildlife, please follow the guidance on the National RSPCA's website. Please do not bring wildlife to the Animal Centre at Martlesham as we do not have the facilities to care for them.
Microchipping
Be sure to get your pets microchipped in case they go missing in the future. We offer this service for £10 for one pet and £15 for two animals.
Please contact 0300 999 7321 for more information.
HELP & ADVICE
Useful Information
Have you found a stray dog?
Collecting stray dogs is the responsibility of your local council, so please call their Dog Warden services directly. Unfortunately, the RSPCA cannot collect healthy stray dogs and we cannot accept stray dogs at our Animal Centre.
If the dog is sick or injured, please call the National Cruelty and Help Line on 0300 1234 999 (between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week). Please note, due to the high volume of calls received and limited resources, the National Society aren’t always able to respond as quickly as they would like. Please be patient. If you’re concerned the situation is worsening, please contact them again.
Find out more Report crueltyHave you found a stray or a feral cat?
If the cat is not friendly and approachable, it may be a feral. These cats are able to look after themselves. So long as a feral cat is healthy, they will live happily outside. If the cat is approachable and friendly, it may be a stray cat that belongs to someone. So what should you do?
- Check to see if the cat is wearing a collar or tag with the contact details of the owner – only approach if the cat is calm.
- Ask around locally. Cats roam over a wide area and sometimes they can be mistaken for strays even when they have owners.
- Contact your local vet to scan for a microchip.
- Advertise on social media.
If you have concerns about a sick or injured stray, call the National Cruelty and Help Line on 0300 1234 999 (between 8am and 8pm).
Find out moreHave you found injured wildlife?
Although we respect and care about all animals, RSPCA Suffolk Central is not a wildlife rescue centre and does not have the specialist facilities or expertise to care for wildlife. If you are concerned about sick or injured wildlife please our Wildlife page below for the most up-to-date guidance on how to help.
How to help wildlifeFind out more
Still seeking help and advice on animal care and welfare, such as how to surrender an animal if you or someone you know is struggling to care for them, or how to access support with vet care?
