Losing a pet is a nerve-wracking experience! The best way to find your pet, however, is to act quickly. If your pet was lost in or near our service area…
- First, contact VAO at 856-627-9111 and ask to make a lost pet report. You can also email your information to lost@vaonj.org (include a picture of your pet).
- Next, visit the shelter to look for your pet in person. More than a thousand animals pass through VAO’s doors each year, so it’s important to visit on a regular basis if your pet is missing. We’re open 12:00-7:00 Monday through Friday, and 12:00-5:00 on weekends.
Tips For Finding A Lost Pet
- Call your local animal control officer. They’re a good source of information, and often the first place contacted by someone who’s found a pet. Some animal control officers pick up and house stray pets. If so, visit their facility to see if your pet is there.
- Call local animal shelters. Make sure to supply a phone number where you can be easily reached. This document lists shelters in Camden County and the townships they serve.
- Call your local police non-emergency number. Officers sometimes pick-up stray animals that are held at the station temporarily. Residents may bring a lost animal to the police station, as well.
- Post to lost & found animal pages on Facebook or Craigslist, and be sure to include a photo.
- Hang fliers with your pet’s picture around the area where it was last seen.
- Contact vets and animal hospitals in case your pet has been injured and brought in.
- Place a “lost pet” ad in your neighborhood newspaper.
What You Need To Reclaim Your Pet
If we have your pet at VAO we know you’ll be relieved – and anxious to take it home! To reclaim your pet bring as many of these items with you as you can:
- Current government issued identification with your name and address (driver’s license; state ID, etc)
- Current vaccination records
- Current license documents
- Pictures of your pet
- Proof of ownership (vaccination records, adoption papers, bill of sale, city license)
- Note: There is a $50 fee for reclaiming your pet. We accept cash or credit cards. An additional $4 will be charged for every night the pet is with us.
- Do not hesitate to contact VAO at 856-627-9111 if you have any questions.
How To Keep Your Pet Safe
- Don’t leave your animal unattended for long periods of time. Many pets become lost because they’ve been outside in a yard or enclosure for an extended period, and escape from an unnoticed opening.
- Always be sure your animal is wearing an appropriate collar with an identification tag and your contact information. If you change your telephone number, make sure you get a new tag for your pet with the updated information!
- License your dog. Dogs wearing licenses are much more likely to be reunited with their families.
- Microchip your pet. Most veterinarians and shelters can provide this service at low cost.
- Secure all outside enclosures where you keep your pet.
- Never walk your dog off leash.