Found or lost animals

What to do when you have found a dead, wounded or wandering animal on the territory of the City of Brussels (1000, 1020, 1120, 1130)? Different instructions apply to other municipalities.

If it is during office hours (Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm) and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 11 am to 1 pm:

Outside these hours:

If it is sociable and can be caught, take it to the vet to see if it is identified (microchip) to find its owners.

If it is fearful, contact the police at the number 101. They will contact External site La Croix Bleue. A research of the owners will be undertaken and if these do not appear, the animal will be put up for adoption.

In any case, you can post its photo at External site Animal Search, an application that connects people who have lost their animal and people who have found one.

If it is sociable and can be caught, take it to the vet to check if it is identified (microchip) to find its owners.

If it is fearful or wild, check if it has a cut in its left ear to indicate that it has been sterilized and returned to its territory.

If it does not have a cut, inform an association that deals with "field" cats (sterilization, care, possible adoption if sociable):

In any case, you can post its photo at External site Animal Search, an application that connects people who have lost their animal and people who have found one.

Adopt a cat

Check out the associations that collect cats (list in "I found a stray cat"). As the wildest cats are released on their territory after sterilization, only the most sociable cats are adopted. It is also possible to adopt kittens.

Adopt a dog

For dogs, also think about adoption at an association that collects unfortunate dogs. Give them a second chance.

Main associations for adopting animals

In Brussels:

In Wallonia:

Since 1 July 2022, if you wish to acquire (buy, adopt or receive) an animal in Wallonia, you must obtain a licence to keep it from the pet shop, shelter or breeder you have contacted.

Residents of Brussels, including residents of the City of Brussels, can apply directly to the 'SPW Agriculture, Ressources Naturelles, Environnement'. Applications should be sent:

The application must contain:

  • The surname and first name of the applicant
  • The national registration number of the applicant
  • The address of the applicant
  • The extract will then be issued within a maximum of two weeks (15 'calendar' days after receipt of the letter by the administration)

If your cat or dog is missing, you can place an ad on the following sites:

External site Animal Search is the official dog and cat registration platform.

If you have lost your pet or seen a lost or injured domestic animal, you can report it via the Animal Search app. This app is designed to report lost, injured or deceased domestic animals using geotagged photos. By mobilising the app's community, animals have a better chance of being found.

In addition to contacting app users, the app also allows contacting vets, animal shelters and municipal services close to where the animal is located.

Download the application or use the website at:

External site Animal Search

SEE ALSO

PRACTICAL INFO