Stray & Lost Animal Program
DoveLewis is not a shelter. If you’ve found a stray animal, here’s what to do.
DoveLewis can only accept ill or injured strays found in Multnomah and Washington Counties.
Please bring the animal you found to DoveLewis only if it meets the following criteria:
- The animal needs emergency medical care.
- The animal was found in Multnomah or Washington County.
- Your county’s animal services are closed.
Stray animals admitted to DoveLewis require Good Samaritans to provide their name, contact information, and home address.
If the Animal Is Healthy
If the animal does not need emergency medical care, DoveLewis is not able to admit them.
The most helpful next steps are to:
- Contact your county animal services.
- Keep the animal comfortable and safe until county animal services are available to help.
- Take steps to reunite the animal with their family.
More Resources
Multnomah County - Found a Pet?
Multnomah County Animal Services has information for good Samaritans. Get tips for finding owners and what to do if you've found a kitten or a rabbit.
Washington County - Found a Pet?
One of Washington County's focuses is helping reunite lost pets with their owners. Follow these steps to increase the chances of reuniting a pet with its family.
Clark County - Found a Pet?
If you find a pet in your neighborhood, it's your responsibility to notify Animal Control and the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW) so we can help locate its family. Contact Pacific Northwest Pet ER & Specialty Center at (360) 635-5302 or 311 to request officer assistance.
Clackamas County - Report a Lost or Found Pet
If you have found a pet, including a cat, use Clackamas County's listing to help reunite the animal with its family.
Petco Love Lost
Petco Love Lost is an easy way to search 200K+ lost and found pets to help them return home.
Stray & Lost Animal FAQ
There is a loose cat near my house. Can I bring it to DoveLewis?
If the cat appears healthy, DoveLewis cannot admit it. Contact your local animal services agency first if you are concerned about a feral cat.
I found a stray dog and it’s bleeding. What should I do?
If the dog was found in Washington or Multnomah County, and the county animal services are closed, please bring the animal to DoveLewis.
I found a litter of kittens. What should I do?
It is common for nursing mothers to leave their litter for short periods of time to hunt. If you have found a litter of kittens, review the Multnomah County Resources for Found Kittens to determine if it is appropriate to intervene.
I found a dog in my neighborhood that looks healthy. What should I do?
If you have found a healthy pet, their family may be searching nearby. Review the ASPCA tips for reuniting lost pets with their owners and check local animal agencies for lost-pet posts.
