lost and found pets

In addition to owner surrenders, WAHS also provides shelter for cats and dogs found in Winona and surrounding areas. Some of these animals are reclaimed by their owners, while others are never spoken for and become available for adoption. Scroll through the sections below for instructions on what to do if you’ve found an animal, or if your pet is currently missing.

If your pet was found and brought to WAHS, click here to learn about the reclaim process.

Helping a Stray Dog or Cat

  • If an animal doesn’t immediately run up to you, try coaxing it with any food you may have. Rather than approaching, avoid direct eye contact and let them come to you while remaining calm (this could take some time and patience). If the cat or dog displays significant signs of aggression and is not making progress, you may want to contact your local Animal Control officer or police department rather than trying to catch it. Setting up a live trap is another option. Displaying such aggression can indicate that the animal is either feeling intense fear or may be feral. In these situations, you must take into consideration your personal wellbeing and chance of injury.

  • Should you safely pick up a cat or dog and it does not need urgent medical care, you’ll first want to try locating their owner:

    • Check the area for lost pet flyers

    • Browse local Facebook pet pages. Many towns have groups dedicated to this cause (for example, Winona has Lost Pets in Winona). Post pictures and identify the general area where you found the animal.

    • Consider contacting a vet’s office, rescue, or police department to see if they can scan for a microchip

    • Submit a found pet report through Petco Love Lost

  • If you decide to keep the pet in your care, make sure to alert animal shelters/rescues and the local police department. Each city has different guidelines regarding found animal advertisements and stray holds. When we’re contacted, we make a “found animal” Facebook post for each stray. The post is then shared by community members.

  • For those unable to keep a stray animal, the next step is finding another place for him/her. If you’re in Winona or surrounding areas, give us a call at 507-452-3135 or message our Facebook page. We’ll determine if we’re able to accept the animal at that time, and walk you through the steps accordingly. We’re not able to take feral cats or aggressive dogs.

    Please note that it may take time to get back to you, especially if contact is made outside of open hours (12pm - 5pm Tuesday - Friday, 10am - 2pm Saturday). We ask for reasonable patience and understanding while we arrange appropriate care and housing space for the new furry friend!

  • Because we don’t have a veterinarian on staff, WAHS cannot provide immediate medical care to an animal on-site. If you believe a stray animal requires emergency medical attention and it’s outside of our business hours, contact your local police department or take it to a veterinarian. Be prepared to cover the medical costs if the cat or dog is in your care.

 
Outdoor dog and cat
 

What should you do if your pet is missing?

  • Put in a lost pet report with WAHS. Include:

    • Your first and last name

    • A thorough description of your lost pet

    • Where your pet went missing from

    • Pictures of your pet

    • Your phone number or email so we can easily contact you

  • Message WAHS on Facebook if you would like us to create a public lost pet post on our page.

  • Alert your local police department. If you’re within Winona City Limits, let Animal Control know.

  • Alert local animal rescues and shelters in your area.

  • Create and disperse missing pet flyers that have your pet’s name, a recent photo, and a way to contact you.

  • Spread the word on social media, especially Facebook. Posting in groups like Lost Pets in Winona, Lost Cats Minnesota, Lost Dogs Minnesota, and Lost & Found Pets Minnesota can be helpful.

  • Create alerts through services such as Lost My Kitty, Lost My Doggie, Pawboost, and Petco Love Lost.

  • If your pet is microchipped, log on to the microchip service and make sure your information is updated.

  • Take precautions against potential scammers. If you’re offering a monetary reward, never provide payment before your pet is returned to you.

  • Don’t lose hope! Animals can be found and happily reunited with their owners after months have passed.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND INJURED WILDLIFE

WAHS is only able to assist cats and dogs; we don’t have a wildlife rehabilitation program. Folks who find injured wildlife nearby have the following options:

  1. For Minnesota residents: refer to the Minnesota DNR’s guidance on wild animals.

  2. For Wisconsin residents: contact the Wisconsin DNR.

  3. Contact wildlife rehabilitation centers in Minnesota, which can often advise how to proceed before you interact with the animal.

  4. Contact the International Owl Center in Houston for guidance on injured owls and other birds of prey.

  5. If the injured animal is found within Winona, contact Animal Control. They may be able to provide resources or guidance on next steps.