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

  • Should you come across a cat or dog who looks lost, you’ll first want to try locating an owner:

    • Submit a found pet form through PawBoost. PawBoost is like an AMBER alert for lost pets. Millions of pet lovers have signed up for local lost & found pet alerts. Winona Area Humane Society is a PawBoost Shelter Partner, helping families reunite with their pets.

    • Check the area for lost pet flyers posted on local bulletin boards and yard signs.

    • Browse local Facebook pet pages. Many towns have groups dedicated to this cause. Post pictures and identify the general area where you found the animal.

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

  • If you decide to keep the pet in your care, you must 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 within the city of Winona, contact Winona Animal Control to see if they can help. If you're located within Winona County or surrounding areas, give us a call at 507-452-3135 or email through our Contact page. We’ll determine if we’re able to accept the animal at that time, and walk you through the steps accordingly. All intakes are scheduled by appointment, and we don’t have the ability to care for 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!

  • 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?

Report a lost pet on PawBoost

  • Submit a lost pet form on PawBoost (linked above), the #1 recommended resource for lost & found pets. WAHS is a PawBoost Shelter Partner, helping reunite pets with their families.

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

    • Your first and last name

    • A 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, submit a report through non-emergency dispatch.

  • Alert local animal rescues and shelters in your area.

  • Create and disperse missing pet flyers that have your pet’s name, a recent photo, brief description, and a way to contact you. We recommend sharing them on local bulletin boards, and creating yard signs. Excellent guidance on best poster/flyer creation can be found here.

  • 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 PawBoost, Petco Love Lost, Lost My Kitty, and Lost My Doggie.

  • 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 the tools or licenses to conduct wildlife rehabilitation. 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 often provide excellent advice for how to proceed before you interact with the animal — even if you live far away.

  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 the city of Winona, contact Animal Control. They may be able to provide resources or guidance on next steps.