🐾 Found a Pet?

If you’ve found a stray pet, thank you for taking the time to help! Below are the steps to follow if you've found a dog or cat in Central Minnesota, as well as important information about stray holding policies and fees.

⚠️ Reminder: Grey Face Rescue does not have a physical shelter and cannot accept stray pets.

🐶 Found a Dog?

  1. Call Tri-County Humane Society (TCHS)
    📞 (320) 252-0896

    • Ask if the owner has filed a Lost Pet Report.

    • If no match is found, they may schedule an appointment to take the pet if found in a contracted area.

    • If the area is not contracted, they will direct you to the appropriate stray holding facility.

  2. Do Not Move the Dog (If Possible)

    • Leave the animal in place until animal control, police, or a sheriff has been contacted.

    • Some jurisdictions have laws requiring strays to be picked up only from the location they were found.

  3. Report the Found Dog Online

🏢 Local Stray Holding Facility

Tri-County Humane Society (TCHS)
📞 (320) 252-0896

  • Stray Animal Intake Fee: $75 per animal

  • This fee covers the 5-day state-mandated holding and advertising period.

Note:

  • Some cities, counties, or townships contract with TCHS and will cover this fee.

  • If the area you found the pet does not contract with a stray facility, the $75 fee may fall on you as the finder.

  • We encourage you to contact your local officials and ask them to budget for stray animal services in the future.

🐱 Found a Cat?

Most healthy, friendly stray cats are likely owned and live nearby. According to national data, less than 5% of stray cats brought to shelters are reclaimed by their owners. For this reason:

✅ What You Should Do:

  • Leave the cat where you found it, unless it is sick, injured, or in danger.

  • Watch to see if the cat goes home—many indoor/outdoor cats are simply roaming their normal route.

  • Check for a collar or tags.

🧭 When to Intervene:

Bring the cat to a shelter or vet only if:

  • It appears injured, sick, or unsafe outside

  • It shows signs of abandonment (very thin, unkempt, or disoriented)

📋 What Happens at the Shelter:

  • The cat will be scanned for a microchip

  • Held for 5 business days, per Minnesota law

  • If unclaimed and deemed adoptable, it will be prepped for adoption

Still Have Questions?

If you're unsure about how to proceed or need help finding the appropriate animal control or shelter in your area, please don’t hesitate to contact us or reach out directly to Tri-County Humane Society.