Sources and methodology

Coverage depends on access to each source and its readiness for inclusion.

Source	Examples	How we use it
City and county agency records	Published by city and county agencies	Credited, with a link back. Compared with families’ searches. Usually no photos.
Verified city and county shelters on RescueGroups.org	133 shelters in 27 states	Credited, with a link to the shelter. Compared with families’ searches.
Adoption listings on RescueGroups.org	Shelters and rescues	Compared privately with families’ searches. Not shown publicly.
Community reports	Posted on FindLostPets.com	Public only if the person who posted chooses.

What we count. Current records are active, published lost and found records from city and county agencies. Shelter animals are active listings from verified shelters that meet public search requirements, including a source update or creation date within 90 days. Counts are rounded down, refreshed daily and hidden if unavailable. We read agency records under each source’s terms.

How contacts stay current

Entries on our reviewed lists are re-checked at least every 180 days; if one lapses, we hide its phone number and point to the official page.

If a record is wrong, tell us and we’ll correct or remove it promptly. Request a correction or removal