Is This a Lost or Found Dog?

When a dog goes missing or is found wandering, every minute counts. To ensure the doggy's safety, we must act quickly and route you to the correct resource. Please select your situation below:

Referral Platform Disclosure: Small Dog Rescue South Africa is a guidance and referral platform. Adoption, surrender, screening and placement decisions are managed by the individual rescue organisation responsible for each application.

I Lost My Dog

My beloved pet has gone missing, and I need help searching for them.

View Lost Dog Steps

I Found a Dog

I have spotted or secured a stray dog that does not belong to me.

View Found Dog Steps

I Want to Surrender

This is my own dog, and I need to find them a new home due to my circumstances.

Go to Surrender Guide
Important Notice: Small Dog Rescue South Africa is NOT a physical shelter and cannot hold, pick up, or take custody of lost or found stray dogs. Please follow the safety steps below to report stray animals legally.

Locate Your Local SPCA Branch

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

Under South African law, stray dogs must be reported to the SPCA or municipal shelter, which holds them for a mandatory owner-admittance period (usually 96 hours).

Find Your Local SPCA Branch

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. Strays are legally required to be taken to the SPCA or a municipal shelter, which holds them for a mandatory owner-admittance period (usually 96 hours). 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.

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.