Lost pets

Vancouver pound

If your dog is licensed and wearing its tag, Animal Services will contact you and make all efforts to reunite you with your lost dog.

Reporting lost pets online

To find lost pets, you can also create a lost pet report online.

Report your lost pet online

If reporting your cat lost, in addition to completing the form, contact the BC SPCA

Other tips for finding your pet

  • Create a post on Craigslist with a picture and description of your pet - our staff check these reports regularly
  • Create a post on the Missing Pets in BC page on Facebook
  • Inquire at shelters outside of Vancouver

Reporting stray dogs

We return licensed dogs that were loose to their owners. Unlicensed dogs are placed in kennels until their owners claim them.

Dogs that aren't claimed by their owners will be held for at least three business days before we evaluate them for adoption.

If you're holding a loose dog, report it online to have us pick it up for free. Or, drop the stray dog off at the Vancouver Animal Shelter during opening hours.

Report a stray dog

Reporting stray cats

For stray cats, contact the BC SPCA

Preventing your dog getting lost

Buy a dog licence. It dramatically increases your chances of reuniting with your dog if it's ever lost. Your dog gets one free ride home per calendar year to avoid being taken to our shelter.

You can also:

  • Shut and latch your fence gates
  • Install screens on your windows and doors
  • Keep your pets indoors during events with fireworks like New Year's Eve, Halloween, and Canada Day
  • Spay or neuter your dogs so they're less likely to roam for mates

Claiming your unlicensed dog

To claim your unlicensed dog from the Vancouver Animal Shelter, you must:

  1. Provide proof of ownership, which can include:
    • Adoption or purchase paperwork
    • Vet records with both the dog and owners' information
    • License information from another municipality
  2. Have government issued picture identification
  3. Pay the unlicensed impound fee
  4. Purchase a dog license. If you do not live in Vancouver, you must show proof of a license from another municipality or purchase a Vancouver tag and then transfer it to your current municipality.
  5. Bring a leash and collar

Note Daily boarding fees will apply 24 hours after contact with the owner.

Contact Animal Control

1280 Raymur Ave
Vancouver, BC V6A 3L8

Fax: 604-871-6862
animal.services@vancouver.ca

Animal Control hours

Administration

7 days a week
10am to 6pm

Adoption and viewing

Tuesday to Sunday
10am to 6pm

All areas are closed on holidays.