Public Health Madison & Dane County
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Get Help with Animals

A dog standing alone on a street wearing a collar and dog tags.

Our Animal Services Officers:

  • Respond to calls about animal bites, stray animals, and animal welfare concerns.
  • Educate people about animal care and staying safe around animals.

Animal Bites

Lost or Found Pets

  • You can call us at 608-255-2345 for lost or found animals.
  • Most stray animals live close to where they are found and have owners looking for them. Ideally, these pets can be returned home without having to take a stressful trip to the Humane Society. If you have lost or found a pet, please try the suggestions below. 

If you've lost a pet
  • If you have not already done so, look around your house, yard, and neighborhood to see if you can spot your pet. Call their name, shake a bag of their favorite treats and double check their favorite hiding spots.
  • Put something with a familiar smell (like a toy or blanket), or smelly food or treats in your yard to draw your pet back to the area.
  • Make a flyer with a picture of your pet to post in your neighborhood and at local businesses. You can find free poster templates online through PawBoost, Lost Dogs of Wisconsin, and 24PetWatch.
  • Let your neighbors, mail carriers, and local bus drivers know your pet is missing and ask them to be on the lookout.
  • If your pet has a microchip, report them as lost through the microchip company.
  • If you see your pet, do not run towards it. Remember, they are scared and stressed. Move slowly, using a soft and calm voice.
  • Make a lost report with the following places and check to see if anyone has made a report about finding your pet:

Once your pet is back at home, make sure that they have a current ID tag, microchip and license. This will ensure that if they are lost again, they can be reunited with you as quickly as possible!

If you've found a pet

Other Animal Issues

Call us at 608-255-2345 for:

•    Aggressive animals
•    Domestic animals running loose
•    Investigation of cruelty or neglect
•    Rabies quarantines and testing
•    Sick or injured stray domestic animals
•    Wildlife that poses an immediate threat to health or safety

We Do Not Help With

Non-Urgent Animal Issues

Call us at 608-267-1989 or email us at PHAnimalServices@publichealthmdc.com for:

•    Information about animal care and health
•    Education about staying safe around animals and preventing rabies
•    Non-urgent complaints
•    Accumulation of animal poop
•    General information

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Get Help with Animals

Public Health Madison & Dane County Blog