Whether you found a lost pet or had one of your own furry ones go missing, Lakeway residents should immediately check with the police department. They will know if the pet you found has been reported missing. Your lost pet might be at the city’s kennel; if not, the officers will know to watch for it.
The non-emergency number for Lakeway Police Department is 512-261-2800. This includes animal services.
Lakeway’s animal control officer is Andrea Greig 512-261-2852 andreagreig@lakeway-tx.gov If she is on duty, Andrea is your best bet for info on a found pet and to report your own lost pet.
With a found pet, assuming there is no collar and tag with ID info, the best scenario is a microchip. Officer Greig can scan for a chip. Or, you can take the pet to one of the local vet clinics, and they will scan for a chip.
TIPS FOR FINDING YOUR LOST INDOOR KITTY
A version of this was posted online years ago, with no attribution. I tinkered with it. Many people have had success with some of these ideas, so I offer them in hopes they help find lost cats.
–Escaped inside-only cats are almost always hiding very close to your house. Not used to being outside, they are too afraid to go far. Start looking right next to your home, and spiral outward.
–Tell all your neighbors and put up neon poster board lost cat signs.
–Leave a window, door or the garage open, if it is safe to do so, for the cat to re-enter. (Keep in mind this is at your own risk due to safety concerns. Other pets need to be secured first.)
–It is likely the cat will try to re-enter through the same door or window where they escaped.
–Put some of your dirty clothes outside, so they can use them to smell their way home.
–A physical search in a 5 house radius (500 yards) of your house is one of the most important things you can do. Look up in trees, on roofs, under bushes, in storm drains, in sheds and under/inside everything. Ask neighbors to check inside their garages, sheds, & other outbuildings. Keep doing this, day after day.
–Scared cats may still move around, so you need to check the same places multiple times.
–Use a flashlight late at night to look for glowing eyes.
— Fear can make even the most tame cat act feral, so some need to be trapped.
–Your cat probably won’t come to your call, due to fear and everything being so different outside.
–It is not uncommon for cats to be missing for over a week before they come out of hiding. Don’t give up!
–Some people recommend putting the cat’s litter box or food outside. Remember that this can attract other cats and wildlife that might run off or even kill your cat.
TRAPRS—Lost Pet Recovery Service
I have not used this service, but as of January 2024 I have heard great reviews from people thrilled to be reunited with their pets. TRAPRS (Trapping, Rescue and Pet Recovery Service) is a 501 (3)(c) organization that specializes in trapping, rescue and recovery of lost and stray pets. Serving the Greater Austin, TX community. https://traprs.org/ admin@traprs.org 844-287-2777 https://www.facebook.com/TheTRAPRS/
VIDEO ON FINDING YOUR LOST DOG
A Sacramento, CA animal shelter created this 5 minute video, full of super tips for finding a lost doggie.