Found!'s purpose is to help reunite owners and lost pets.   The animals described above are not lost, and, unfortunately, no one is looking for them.

Some people have been known to try to claim found animals as their own, usually the higher-priced, currently-in-demand breeds, so that they may sell them and make a quick profit from the tragedy of the separation of the pet from it's real owner.   But there are good safeguards in place to prevent this from happening.

First, ensure that a good photo of the pet is placed on the Internet so that the rightful owner can locate their pet quickly.  If you have Found! take the photo, we will also scan the animal for an identification microchip which, if found, will immediately tell us who the correct owner is and how to contact them.  There is no charge for either taking the photo or scanning for the microchip.  Remember, if the animal is an expensive breed, the chances that the animal has a microchip is considerably greater.   You can also have your veterinarian scan for a microchip or take the animal to the Humane Society or the Pima Animal Control Center where they will check for the microchip at no cost.

Next, examine the pet carefully for tattoos, name tags, or other unique identifying features.   Some of these features are: whether or not the animal is neutered or spayed, condition of the teeth, an ear that won't stand up, a missing toe, and/or the way that the animal sits (perhaps with paws curled up in an unusual manner).   There are always some unique identifying features that are found with each pet.   Note these unique features and withhold that information from any poster or ad that does not mention them or to anyone who calls about the pet.   Let the caller tell you about the identifying characteristics.   If the caller does not specifically mention any of these characteristics, it is very likely that this person is not the real owner.   Real owners are acutely aware of these characteristics, while the person posing as the owner will not know about any of these characteristics.

Another protective approach is to have the person calling provide a photo or paperwork identifying the animal as belonging to them.  Most owners of expensive animals have all sorts of photos, licenses, pedigrees, veterinarian bills, awards and so forth that they will be able to produce to verify their claim.

Lastly, unless the animal is unusually friendly towards strangers, observe the animal closely when it first meets the individual who is claiming to be the owner.   If the animal does not respond to the person as you would expect it to, then you need to require more proof, such as a photo of the person with the animal.

These are some of the same techniques used by the Pima Animal Control Center and the Humane Society of Southern Arizona to verify ownership.

It is usually a simple matter of just using common sense when someone calls to try to claim the animal.   Make sure that person calling really knows the pet.   That is all there is to it.

Remember, you must first place the animal's photo on the Internet so that you can rest assured that you did your very best to let the owner know that you have found their pet. And, thanks for sheltering a found pet!