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You Found a Lost Pet, Deceased Pet, or Wild Animal

Main takeaway: Prioritize safety, then contact the correct local authority. Within Lodi city limits, call Lodi Animal Services for stray or deceased domestic animals. For highways, contact Caltrans; for unincorporated county areas, contact San Joaquin County services. Use Petco Love Lost and local networks to reunite lost pets with owners.

Quick Overview by Scenario

Scenario Immediate Steps Who to Contact Online Resources
Found a lost pet Check ID tags; contain safely; microchip scan at a vet/shelter Lodi Animal Services (city); Lodi PD after-hours coordination Petco Love Lost; Nextdoor; local Facebook groups; LostMyDoggie/LostMyKitty
Deceased pet (yours) Decide on cremation/burial; verify local disposal rules Vet/pet cremation; Lodi Animal Services guidance County landfill info; rendering services
Deceased animal (stray/wild) Do not touch bare-handed; note location; report Lodi Animal Services (city); County/Caltrans (roads); CDPH for dead birds West Nile reporting (dead birds)
Wildlife (sick/injured) Keep distance; do not feed/handle; note behavior CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife (large wildlife); local wildlife rehab; 911 if danger Living with Wildlife guidance; regional rehab centers

Lost Pet: If You Found a Pet

Step-by-Step

  1. Ensure safety. Contain the animal if safe to do so, avoiding bites/scratches.
  2. Check for ID tags. Call the owner if a phone number is present.
  3. Scan for microchip. Visit any local vet or Lodi Animal Services to scan.
  4. Decide on next action:
    • Surrender to Lodi Animal Services for official stray hold.
    • Request pickup during business hours if you cannot transport.
    • Temporarily shelter while you actively search for the owner.
  5. Broadcast widely. Post clear photos, location, and time found.

Who to Contact

Lodi Animal Services — Phone: (209) 333-6741; Address: 1345 W Kettleman Ln, Lodi, CA 95242; Typical public hours are posted on the city website; call ahead for after-hours coordination via Lodi Police non-emergency Phone: (209) 333-6728.

Online Tools to Reunite

  • Petco Love Lost (visual search for lost/found pets tied to Lodi Animal Services)
  • Nextdoor neighborhood posts
  • Local Facebook groups (e.g., Lodi Lost & Found Pets, “209” regional groups)
  • LostMyDoggie.com / LostMyKitty.com

Deceased Pet or Stray/Wild Animal

Health & Safety

Do not touch animals with bare hands. Use gloves, avoid contact with bodily fluids, and keep children and other animals away. If handling small dead birds for reporting, follow bagging guidance (double plastic, avoid aerosolization) and wash hands thoroughly afterward.

Within Lodi City Limits

  • Deceased domestic animals (public property): Contact Lodi Animal Services (209) 333-6741 during business hours.
  • After-hours: Contact Lodi Police Department non-emergency to coordinate Animal Services response.
  • On private property: The property owner is generally responsible; consider private removal services if needed.

Roadways and Areas Outside City Jurisdiction

  • State highways/freeways: Contact Caltrans District office for removal.
  • Unincorporated county roads/public areas: Contact San Joaquin County Animal Services/public works.

Dead Birds (West Nile Virus Surveillance)

  • Report to California’s Dead Bird Surveillance program (hotline/website).
  • If transporting a small dead bird for testing, follow official handling guidance; otherwise, leave in place and report its location.

Private Services

Local dead animal removal providers can assist with removal from private property and odor mitigation. Veterinary clinics and pet cremation services can assist with private pets (individual or communal cremation) and memorial options.

Wild Animals: Sick, Injured, Orphaned, or Nuisance

Do and Don’t

  • Do keep distance and observe quietly; note behavior, injuries, and exact location.
  • Don’t feed, water, or attempt to rehabilitate; improper care can harm wildlife and is often unlawful.
  • If there is immediate danger to people, call 911.

Who to Contact

  • Large or potentially dangerous wildlife (e.g., mountain lions, bears): California Department of Fish & Wildlife (regional office).
  • Sick/injured small wildlife: Regional licensed wildlife rehabilitation centers (phone triage first); many offer guidance on when intervention is appropriate.
  • Nuisance wildlife on private property: Licensed humane wildlife control operators for inspection, exclusion, and remediation.

Key Notes

  • Animal control agencies typically do not trap/relocate healthy wildlife; emphasis is on coexistence and exclusion.
  • Never handle bats, skunks, or other rabies-vector species; report unusual or aggressive behavior immediately.

Essential Contacts (Lodi and Surrounding Jurisdictions)

Service Purpose How to Reach
Lodi Animal Services (City) Stray intake, deceased domestic animals (public property), enforcement, microchip scans (209) 333-6741; 1345 W Kettleman Ln, Lodi, CA
Lodi Police Department (after-hours coordination) After-hours animal services coordination Non-emergency line via City of Lodi
San Joaquin County Animal Services / Sheriff Unincorporated areas animal issues San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services portal
Caltrans (District) Animals on state highways/freeways District maintenance office
North County Recycling Center & Landfill Information on disposal options 17720 E. Harney Ln, Lodi; (209) 468-3066
California Dept. of Public Health—Dead Bird West Nile Virus surveillance Dead Bird Hotline; online reporting portal
California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife Large wildlife, public safety, wildlife guidance Regional office contact
Petco Love Lost Lost/found pet facial recognition searches Online search/report
Local Wildlife Rehabilitation (Regional) Injured/sick wildlife triage and care Regional hotlines (e.g., Gold Country Wildlife Rescue)

Practical Tips and FAQs

Can I keep a found dog if no owner is found right away?

Within Lodi, turning a found animal over to Lodi Animal Services initiates the official stray hold process. After the statutory hold (commonly five business days) without an owner claim, animals can be adopted—ask the shelter about fostering-to-adopt or adoption procedures. If you temporarily shelter the pet, you should still report the find and actively search for the owner to comply with local ordinances.

What if I found a deceased animal on my private property?

Owners are typically responsible on private property. You can contact private removal services for pickup and sanitation, or consult your veterinarian for pet remains. For wildlife or larger animals, call local authorities for guidance before moving remains.

How do I report a dead bird for West Nile Virus testing?

Use the California Dead Bird Surveillance hotline or the online reporting portal. Provide species if known, condition, and precise location. Follow handling instructions if asked to submit a specimen.

Who handles wildlife in attics or under decks?

Licensed wildlife control operators perform inspections, humane removal, and exclusion/repair work. Public animal agencies generally do not trap healthy wildlife.

Accessibility & Safety Considerations

  • Use caution equipment (gloves, masks) and avoid direct contact with any animal fluids.
  • If bitten or scratched, seek medical care immediately and report the incident to Animal Services.
  • If you are unsure which jurisdiction applies, call Lodi Animal Services; staff can route or advise.

Notes

Service hours can change; call ahead or check official pages for current hours. For emergencies or public safety threats, call 911.

References

  1. Found A Pet | Assist Lost Pets Now - Lodi 411
  2. City of Lodi Animal Services Unit - 211 San Joaquin
  3. TJ’s Dead Animal Removal - Lodi
  4. Lost & Found Pets - City of Lodi
  5. Lodi Wildlife Removal, Pest Animal Control
  6. Animal Services | Lodi, CA
  7. Lost A Pet - Lodi 411
  8. Animal Services Department - City of Lodi
  9. Lodi Wildlife Control / California Animal Removal
  10. Found Stray Dog in California (Reddit discussion)
  11. Lodi Animal Services - Yelp
  12. Lodi Animal Services | Petco Love Lost
  13. City of Lodi Animal Services - Staff Directory
  14. Animal Control & Shelter Services (reference)
  15. Program: City of Lodi Animal Services Unit - iCarol
  16. Lodi Wildlife Removal - California Animal Pest Control
  17. Emergency Pet Care Lodi, CA
  18. Lodi Wildlife Animal Control
  19. San Joaquin County Sheriff - Animal Services
  20. City of Lodi - Departments
  21. Lodi CA Pest Animal Wildlife Removal
  22. North County Recycling Center and Sanitary Landfill
  23. CDFA: Dead Animal Haulers (PDF)
  24. Angi: Animal removal specialists in Lodi
  25. California Wildlife Center: Medical Emergency
  26. Stockton Wildlife Control (Regional)
  27. Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter: Wildlife Issues (reference)
  28. CA State Parks: Pollution and Wildlife Reporting Hotlines
  29. Gold Country Wildlife Rescue: Wildlife Emergency
  30. Reporting a Dead Bird - CDPH
  31. Tracy PD Animal Services (reference)
  32. Citrus Heights Wildlife Services (reference)
  33. Sacramento County: Dead Animals (reference for disposal practices)
  34. California Department of Fish & Wildlife: Living with Wildlife
  35. Lindsay Wildlife Experience: Found an Animal?
  36. City of Stockton Animal Services Unit - 211 San Joaquin
  37. Lodi Animal Services - Adoptapet.com
  38. Lodi Animal Services - MapQuest
  39. City of Lodi: Adoption
  40. San Joaquin County Sheriff: Contact Us