Report free-roaming and abandoned pets
Service description
From a purely legal point of view, found pets and domestic animals are "lost property". This means that the municipalities are responsible as lost property authorities. They must accept lost and found animals and house them in a manner appropriate to their species.
The lost and found authority therefore usually hands over the found animals to a suitable place such as an animal shelter.
Process flow
If free-roaming animals endanger public safety, especially traffic safety, you should notify the police immediately.
If you have found an animal, contact your local authority. You can report the find there and also hand over the animal by arrangement. The municipality, as the lost property authority, will then usually take care of the further accommodation and care of the animal.
You can also give the animal directly to an animal shelter without reporting it to the municipality. In this case, the shelter will take care of the lost property report.
What documents are needed?
If applicable, lost property report form from the municipality
What are the fees?
There are no fees to pay.
Legal basis
What else should I know?
The animal protection societies and animal shelters perform an important task for society in this area. They are always grateful for donations that benefit the animals. If you are interested in a pet, you can contact an animal shelter. There you will also receive expert advice.
Short text
Abandoned and free-roaming animals are considered lost property and must be reported to the local authority's lost property office. If the found animal is handed in directly to the animal shelter, the shelter will report it to the municipality.