Is This a Lost or Found Dog?

Report on Lost Dogs South Africa

Lost Dogs South Africa is an online reporting and sharing platform that helps people publish and search for missing and found dogs across South Africa. Submitting a report under their standard public posting options is available without charge.

Locate Your Local SPCA Branch

The most effective way to search for or report a stray dog in South Africa is through your local SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) or municipal shelter.

Under municipal bylaws in many areas, stray animals must be reported to local animal control or the SPCA. Local facilities typically enforce a stray-holding period (often ranging from 96 hours to 7 days, depending on local municipal bylaws and the facility) before animals can be made available for adoption.

Immediate Steps If You Lost Your Dog

If your doggy has slipped out of your property or gone missing during a walk, take these actions immediately:

1. Register the Loss: Report the loss to your local SPCA branch immediately and request to check their physical stray kennels in person. Also post details on local community Facebook groups and WhatsApp channels.
2. Notify the SPCA: Call and visit your local SPCA branch. In many municipalities, stray animals must legally be reported or taken to the local SPCA or municipal shelter. These facilities enforce a local stray-holding period before the animal can be rehomed. Do not just call—visit in person to check their kennels.
3. Check the Microchip Database: If your dog is microchipped, contact your microchip database provider (e.g., GetMeKnown, Identipet, Virbac, KUSA) to verify that your contact number and address are up to date.
4. Contact Local Vets: Phone all veterinary clinics within a 10km radius. Good Samaritans who find stray dogs often bring them to the nearest vet to scan for a microchip.
5. Spread the Word: Share a clear poster on local community WhatsApp groups, Facebook community groups, and security networks (e.g., GPF groups). Keep the description brief: breed, colour, collar details, area lost, and phone number. Do not include distinctive markings, unique collar details, or the dog's gender in the public post. When someone contacts you claiming to be the owner, ask them to describe these details, provide photographs of themselves with the dog, or produce a vet card or microchip record before handing the dog over.

Immediate Steps If You Found a Stray Dog

If you have found a wandering doggy, please follow these steps to keep them safe and locate their legal owners:

1. Secure the Dog Safely: Carefully contain the dog in a secure yard, garage, or room. A frightened stray dog may try to run again or bite if pressured. Provide clean water and shelter.
2. Scan for a Microchip: Take the dog to any local veterinary clinic or the SPCA. They will scan the dog for a microchip free of charge. If a chip is found, the vet can access the registry and contact the owners immediately.
3. Report the Found Dog: Report the found dog to the nearest SPCA branch and local veterinary clinics. Share details on local community groups while retaining key identifying features to verify the owner.
4. Check Local SPCA & Vets: Inform the nearest SPCA and veterinary clinics that you have the dog. If owners are searching, they will contact these facilities first.
5. Be Cautious with Social Media: When posting that you found a dog on social media, do not show or describe unique markings, collars, or gender. Ask anyone claiming to be the owner to provide proof of ownership (e.g., photos of them with the dog, vet cards, or matching microchip records) before handing the dog over.