The summer months are full of fun—backyard barbecues, beach days, fireworks, and family gatherings. But amid the excitement, things can get a little chaotic. An open gate, a screen door left ajar, or a sudden loud noise can easily result in a beloved pet going missing.
At Lollypop Farm, we know how devastating it can be when a pet gets lost. That’s why we’re here to help guide you through the process of getting them home safely—and better yet, to help prevent it from happening in the first place.
Lost and Found at Lollypop Farm
If your pet does go missing, don’t panic — you’re not alone. Lollypop Farm has an entire team ready to support you.
Report a Lost Pet
Visit the Lost and Found page on our website to submit a Lost Pet Report. Submit a detailed report (name, description, photo, microchip info, date, and location lost) through the Lost Animal Report form. If your pet comes to the shelter, we will know! This will also automatically share your pet’s information with our team and add it to our public lost and found listings.
Stray Pet Listings
We post all stray pets brought to Lollypop Farm on our Stray Pets Page. Be sure to check frequently — you never know when your pet might show up.
Found a Pet?
Helping a lost pet get home? You can also report a found pet here. Our team will work with you to identify next steps, including checking for a microchip and sharing your post to help locate the family.
- Check for identification: collar tags, license plates, microchips (Lollypop Farm or your local veterinary office can scan for you!)
- File a Found Pet Report and post on Lollypop Spotters.
- Call municipal or animal control agencies — New York law requires reporting found animals.
- Put up “FOUND DOG/CAT” signs with photos, but don’t advertise every detail—keep one unique trait private to verify ownership.
- Browse “LOST” notices and respond carefully to reunite rightful owners.
Join the Search with Lollypop Spotters
Social media is a powerful tool for reuniting pets with their families.
Lollypop Spotters is a Facebook community of over 17,000 members in the Rochester area who share lost and found pet alerts to broaden the net of search helpers.
- Pet posts from Lost Animal Reports and Found Animal Reports are shared here to reach more eyes.
- Community members also share sightings and provide tips—many reunions have resulted from this grassroots network.
When you submit a lost or found pet report on our site, your post will be shared with the Lollypop Spotters Facebook group. With thousands of active community members on the lookout, it greatly increases the chances of a reunion.
Don’t stop there—share your post in neighborhood groups, community pages, and on your own social media channels. And yes, good old-fashioned flyers still work wonders, especially when placed in high-traffic areas near where the pet was lost or where it was found.
Tips to Prevent Your Pet from Getting Lost
The best way to avoid the heartbreak of a lost pet is to take steps to prevent it from happening. Here are some essential tips:
- Check the Chip: Microchips are one of the most effective ways to reunite lost pets with their families—but they’re only as good as the information attached to them. Ensure your contact information is up to date, especially if you move or change your phone number.
- Secure Fencing: Inspect your yard for any weak points in the fencing. Look for loose boards, digging spots, or places your pet could squeeze through or jump over.
- Close the Escape Routes: Keep an eye on doors and windows—especially during parties or noisy events like fireworks shows. Double-check that windows are latched and screens are secure.
- Protect Your Entryway: Hosting guests? Let them know if you have a pet who may try to escape through the front door. A baby gate by the front door or a “pet inside” sign can help prevent a quick dash outside.
- Practice Recall: Training your pet to come when called can make all the difference if they ever get loose. Use positive reinforcement and practice regularly.
- Keep the Collar On: Make sure your pet wears a collar with a current ID tag that includes your name and/or phone number. If someone finds your pet, this makes it much easier for them to contact you directly.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Lollypop Farm’s Lost and Found team is always ready to help. Whether you’ve lost your pet or found someone else’s, visit our Lost and Found resources for guidance, tips, and tools to bring families back together.
And remember—being proactive can make all the difference. Having a few small precautions in place today can help ensure a safe and happy summer for you and your furry friends.
