Lost a Pet?

Losing a pet is incredibly stressful—and time is critical. If your pet is missing in Central Minnesota, use the following tools and resources to improve your chances of a safe return.

🐾 Note: Grey Face Rescue is foster-based and does not have a facility to house or accept stray animals.

⏱ Minnesota State Law Reminder

Animal shelters and holding facilities are required to hold and advertise stray animals for only 5 business days. After that time, pets may be placed for adoption. Act fast, and check often!

📞 Who to Call First

Start by making phone calls to local contacts and authorities. Strays may be reported or turned in to multiple jurisdictions, so check them all:

  • Your neighbors

  • Your veterinarian

  • Tri-County Humane Society: (320) 252-0896

  • St. Cloud Animal Control: (320) 650-3164 or (320) 255-7214
    (Mon–Fri, 8am–4:30pm, excluding holidays)

  • St. Cloud Police (Non-Emergency): (320) 251-1200 (Evenings, weekends & holidays)

  • Sartell City Hall: (320) 253-2171

  • Waite Park City Hall: (320) 252-6822

  • Sauk Rapids Police Dept: (320) 251-9451

  • Benton County Sheriff: (320) 968-7201

  • Stearns County Sheriff: (320) 259-3700

  • Sherburne County Sheriff: (763) 765-3000

🔎 Online Resources for Finding Your Pet

Check these websites and social platforms regularly, even if it's been more than 5 days since your pet went missing:

Tri-County Humane Society (TCHS)

  • Search Dogs at TCHS

  • Search Cats at TCHS

  • Search Small Animals at TCHS

  • TCHS Lost & Found Facebook Page

Important: Strays are given a temporary name like “Stray Cat” or “Stray Dog” for the first 5 days. After that, they receive a new name and are listed as adoptable. Be sure to browse all adoptable pets too—you may still recognize your pet!

Lost Pet Networks

🛑 Lost Pet Prevention Tips

Help reduce the risk of your pet getting lost with these tips:

🏷 ID Tags & Collars

  • Ensure your pet wears a collar with ID tags at all times.

  • Consider a custom embroidered collar with your phone number.

📡 Microchip Your Pet

  • Microchips offer permanent identification.

  • Always keep your contact info updated with the microchip registry.

  • Grey Face Rescue hosts two FREE Microchip Clinics each year.

🏡 Secure Your Home & Yard

  • Patch up any gaps in fences or screens.

  • Secure gates, windows, and doors—especially before storms or fireworks.

🚗 Travel Safely

  • Use a carrier or travel-safe harness in vehicles.

  • Never open car doors without securing your pet.

🐕 Use Reliable Leashes & Harnesses

  • Ensure they are the right fit and strength.

  • Check hardware like clips and buckles regularly.

🎓 Train Recall ("Come")

  • Teach your pet to respond to "come" positively and reliably.

  • Avoid yelling when calling a lost pet—it may scare them further.

📍 Consider a GPS Tracker

  • Attach a GPS tracker to your pet’s collar to track their location in real time via smartphone.