The Everett Animal Shelter holds strays for at least 72 hours. Once that time has passed, the animal may become available for adoption, be transferred to another agency or be euthanized, depending on the health and temperament of the pet.

If you have lost a pet in our local area, follow these steps:

• Check often with the Everett Animal Shelter. It's important to visit the shelter at least every three days to look for your pet. It's not possible for shelter staff to identify your pet over the phone. 

• Fill out a lost report at the shelter. While we can make no guarantee that we'll be able to notify you in the event your animal is brought into the shelter, filling out a lost report is a good first step. You should continue to visit the shelter in person to see for yourself, and to check the found reports in case a citizen has found your pet but is keeping the animal in their own home rather than bringing it into the shelter.

• Check with local veterinarians in case your pet has been injured and taken to an animal hospital. Veterinarians do not always contact shelters when they treat an unidentified pet.

• Put ads in the newspaper and online and check newspaper ads for “found pets” daily. Call if the description is even close. Post notices on websites such as petfinder.com, pets911.com and Craig's List.

• Put up signs in your neighborhood. Talk to neighbors, mail carriers, etc.

• Look for your pet near your home. Animals can get stuck in trees, under houses or accidentally locked in garages.

• Keep looking. Unfortunately, people who have found stray animals may not report them to a shelter or newspaper for weeks, so it is important not to give up looking after just a couple days.

Click here to check out our information on how spaying and neutering can keep your pet from wandering away.