Hey Neighbors!
Found a Stray Dog or Cat?
First let us say, thanks for being a great neighbor in Dupont. Since you are here, you're doing the right things.
YOU'RE AWESOME!
If you need Animal Control Assistance:
Call the Animal Control Hotline: (253) 830-5010
Use the MyLakewood311 free mobile app (SEE WEBSITE BUTTON ABOVE)
Use the Lakewood online reporting system (SEE WEBSITE BUTTON ABOVE)
For emergencies involving immediate threats to public safety or injured animals, call 911.
Animal Control
Two full-time Animal Control Officers cover Lakewood, DuPont, and Steilacoom. They respond to aggressive dogs and injured, stray, or lost animals. This includes barking dog complaints and dead animal removal. They are also responsible for responding to animal cruelty reports and pet shop/kennel inspections.
If you spot a stray dog or cat roaming around DuPont, get in touch with Lakewood Animal Control straight away. We work together to make sure our furry friends are well looked after.
Can You Safely Catch the Animal?
If you can safely scoop up that wanderer, our local DuPont Police Department may be able to keep it safe for a short while. They'll check for a microchip and try to track down the owner. If no one comes forward and Lakewood can't pick up the pet right away, it might be transferred over to the City of Lakewood and then to the Pierce County Humane Society. Don’t forget to check the Humane Society’s Lost Pets Listing, which is refreshed every two hours during business hours.
If Catching the Animal Isn't Safe
If it feels risky to approach or catch the animal, better to call Lakewood Animal Control for help. Our police folks are great, but they aren’t equipped to handle these situations on their own.
Lost Pets and Tips to Help
Reach Out to the Right Folks: Skip the social media searches and directly contact Animal Control or the Humane Society. They’re the ones with the resources and systems to help lost pets get home.
License Your Pet: It's not just the law; it helps a lot! A licensed pet is easier to track back to you, especially if the microchip doesn’t work or can't be read.
Keep Those Tags On: Tags jingling might be a tad annoying, but they’re super helpful if your pet gets lost. Or, slip your contact info inside their collar as a backup.
Microchip Your Pet: It’s a tiny chip, just the size of a grain of rice, placed under the skin above the shoulder blades. It's like a quick shot and can be done at your vet’s office. Pierce County Humane Society offers this for just $25.
Following these steps not only helps you find your lost pet but also helps any stray you find make it back home. Thanks for looking out for our furry friends!