• Please check for ID tags and have the dog scanned for a microchip at a local veterinary clinic to see if it has an owner that it can be reunited with right away.
   
• If the dog has no ID tags or microchip, here are some things to try before you bring the dog to the shelter:
   
• Create a simple flyer and post it around the neighborhood where you found the dog.
   
• Create a social media post that includes a photo and description of the dog as well as the location of where you found it. Try posting on your own social media accounts along with Nextdoor and local Facebook pages (Tuscaloosa Missing Pets, Tuscaloosa Missing & Found Animals, Cottondale Only Lost and Found Pets, Brookwood Alabama Only Lost and Found Animals, etc.).
   
• Post a photo of the dog as found on Finding Rover, PawBoost, and Shadow App.
   
• Consider keeping the lost dog in your home until the owner is found after reporting the animal to us.  We can help provide basic food, crate, and necessities while in your care for a specified amount of time.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Need more help? Please contact 205-752-9101.

The vast majority of “stray” cats aren’t actually lost – they simply live indoors and outdoors – and will make their way home on their own.
If you feel the cat is truly lost, please check for ID tags and have the cat scanned for a microchip at a local veterinary clinic or at the shelter to see if it has an owner that it can be reunited with right away. 

If the cat has no ID tags or microchip, here are some things to try before you bring the cat to the shelter: 
 

• Most cats don’t roam more than 6-7 houses from where they live.
• Create a simple flyer and post it around the neighborhood where you found the cat.
   
• Create a social media post that includes a photo and description of the cat as well as the location of where you found it. Try posting on your own social media accounts along with Nextdoor and local Lost and Found Facebook pages (Tuscaloosa Missing Pets, Tuscaloosa Missing & Found Animals, Cottondale Only Lost and Found Pets, Brookwood Alabama Only Lost and Found Animals, etc.). 
   
• Post a photo of the dog as found on Finding Rover, PawBoost, and Shadow App.
   
• Post a photo of the cat as found on Finding Rover, PawBoost, and Shadow App.
   
• Consider keeping the lost cat in your home until the owner is found.  We can help provide basic food, crate, and necessities while in your care for a specified amount of time.
  
  Need more help? Please contact 205-752-9101.

Found kittens outside and don't know what to do?  The dos and don'ts below will help you take steps to make the best decision for their care.

If kittens appear to be ill or injured, bring them to Metro Animal Shelter immediately or call 205-752-9101 so we can guide you toward the best steps for these animals.  Metro Animal Shelter only accepts animals from Tuscaloosa County.  If you are outside of this county or if the animals were found in another county, contact your local animal shelter.