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I found a dog or cat. What should I do?

Check for a tag first, then take the animal to a vet or shelter to be scanned for a microchip. The AAHA's lookup tool finds which registry holds a chip. Report the find to local animal control, and keep the animal away from your own pets until a vet has seen it. Peabody's found-pet page has the steps in order.

Checked October 29, 2026.

Asked by families like yours and answered by Peabody editors. How we write and check. For your own pet, your vet knows best.

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