ACTION 4 ANIMALS HAWAII
Before your pet gets lost ...
1. Get them microchipped! Free services are offered by Aloha Animal Alliance. Low-cost microchipping can be done at any Petco Vaccination Clinic or at the Humane Society by appointment.
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2. Take LOTS of adorable pictures - we know you do this anyway, but it's always good to have them easily available, just in case.
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3. Register them on Petco Love Lost and FreePetChipRegistery.com NOW, before they are lost. Do not count on the vet to register your pet for you!
4. Once you have the chip number, go to AAHA.org Registry and search for more info. If you have trouble, let us know - we can help!
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5. For dogs, make sure you have a collar, an ID tag, and that they are properly registered with County of Hawaii. For cats, be careful about non-breakaway collars which can get hung on the tight places cats like to hide.
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6. It's always a good idea to keep your cat indoors and your dog on a leash. Keeping them home and safe is the BEST way to keep them from getting lost in the first place.
The first step to finding your lost pet is to make sure they are registered and marked LOST on Petco Love Lost. If you have their microchip number, that's great! If you don't, it's okay. They use facial recognition software to reunite families.
Hawaii County Animal Control & Protection also uses Petco Love Lost. To see what animals are currently at Animal Control, use the links below. They can be moved between shelters, so check both.
LOOK CLOSE TO HOME
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Most pets (especially cats and scared dogs) don’t go far.
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Walk, stop, listen, and call calmly—don’t yell.
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Check hiding spots: bushes, sheds, garages, under cars, crawl spaces.
USE SCENT
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Put their bed, blanket, or a worn shirt of yours outside.
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For cats: also place the litter box inside a sheltered area (porch/garage) rather than open yard.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
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Dawn, dusk, and late night are best—quieter = less fear.
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Bring treats or a favorite toy that makes noise.
ADVERTISE
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Use local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and flyers
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Have big, clear photos - face and body if possible
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Include pet's name, color, size, and a big headline that says LOST
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Don't forget a way to contact you!
Found an animal?
NOTE: There are few rescues, and no sanctuaries, who take unsocialized kitties. No one will "just take them away".
Action 4 Animals is a limited intake foster-based rescue. We typically take kittens under 8 weeks old and sometimes very socialized older kitties. If you have a kitten please fill out our surrender form and we will reach out if space is available.
Hawaii County Animal Control & Protection takes all dogs but only cats who are "owner surrenders" or sick/injured.
Action 4 Animals only takes dogs from Hawaii County Animal Control. To surrender a dog please call them at (808)-327-3558.
NUMBER ONE:
Don't assume the animal you found doesn't have an owner.
Check for a microchip!
Animals can be checked for a microchip at any vet's office, at your local Petco store, or at Animal Control.
Once you have the chip number, go to AAHA.org Registry and search for more info. If you have trouble, let us know - we can help!
NEXT:
Post “FOUND PET” notices
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Facebook local groups, Nextdoor, PawBoost.
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Include location found (cross streets), date, and general description.
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Do NOT post all identifying details—leave something out so owners can prove it’s theirs.
6. Flyers still matter
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Especially in the immediate area.
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Use big “FOUND DOG/CAT” text and a clear photo.
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DON'T FORGET to register the animal as FOUND on Petco Love Lost!