Lost and Found

Lost Your Dog in Marion County?

If you have lost a dog in Marion County, contact Marion County Dog Control, (503) 566-6966. Marion County Dog Control posts lost dogs on its website for 24-hour viewing. Willamette Humane Society does not hold lost dogs for Marion County.

Lost Your Dog in Polk County?

If you have lost a dog in Polk County, Willamette Humane Society is your resource. Polk County Dog Control brings strays dogs to WHS for holding. When stray pets are brought to our facility, they are sheltered for three to five days as we try to locate their owner. If the animal is not claimed, he/she will be evaluated for adoption.

If you locate your dog at WHS, you will be assessed Dog Control fees as set by your county of residence.

Lost Your Cat in Marion or Polk County?

If you have lost a cat in Marion or Polk County, Willamette Humane Society is your resource. When stray pets are brought to our facility, they are sheltered for three to five days as we try to locate their owner. If the animal is not claimed, he/she will be evaluated for adoption.

If you locate your cat at WHS, you will be assessed boarding fees upon his/her return.

What you can do to find your lost pet:

Visit the Willamette Humane Society shelter immediately to file a “Lost Animal” report. (Sorry, we cannot take reports over the phone.) It is extremely important to file a report in person asap, as stray animals are sheltered for three to five days, as we try to locate their owner. If the animal is not claimed, he/she will be evaluated for adoption.

  • Bring in a recent photo of the missing animal, if possible.
  • Visit the shelter every 2-3 days to view the animals in stray holding.

Here are some other ideas to help locate your lost pet:

  • Go door to door in your neighborhood.
  • Call local veterinarians.
  • Post flyers in your neighborhood, at pet supply stores, in local veterinary clinics, and on any local bulletin boards at stores, schools, etc.
  • Check the classified ads in the Statesman Journal and/or other local paper.
  • Place a “Lost” classified ad in the Statesman Journal and/or other local paper.
  • Post free listings on http://www.petfinder.org and http://www.missingpet.net.

To learn more, visit:

Marion County Dog Control
Polk County Dog Control

Important phone numbers

Marion County Dog Control 503-588-5366
Polk County Sheriff’s Office 503-623-9251
Monmouth Dog Control 503-838-0722
Stayton Police Department 503-769-3421
Woodburn Dog Control 503-982-5243

A note about stray holding time

Typically, animals remain in stray holding for three (without identification) to five days (with id), giving their owner time to claim them. From there, the animal is evaluated for adoption by our exam staff. If the animal meets temperament and behavior standards, the animal will be moved to our Adoption kennels.

If an animal has been in stray holding for more than five days, most likely the animal is waiting to be picked-up by a rescue organization or transferred to another animal shelter. Until an animal is moved to the adoption kennels, adoption staff will not be able to provide additional information to the public.

If you have questions about Lost & Found, call the customer service department at (503) 585-5900, ext. 300, or email