Veterinarians
What should I do if I find a stray dog or cat in Dane County?
A common question, answered by the MadisonWI.com editors · November 13, 2026
1 answer
From MadisonWI.com
Keep the animal safely contained and check for a tag or microchip. A City of Madison dog license tag can be traced through the City Treasurer (608-266-4771). Local vet clinics and shelters can scan for a microchip. Report the animal as found online, and contact the Dane County Humane Society at 608-838-0413, ext. 182 or through its online found report. If you can't safely contain a loose animal, call 608-255-2345 and ask for Animal Services. Holding the animal for a few hours, or a day or two, often helps because many owners live nearby. If you can't keep it, the Humane Society is the county's stray holding facility and asks you to call 608-838-0413, ext. 100 to schedule a drop-off appointment. Animals from outside Dane County carry a fee. Source: Public Health Madison & Dane County, Stray Animals; Dane County Humane Society, Found a Stray (checked November 2026).
Written by the MadisonWI.com editors · November 13, 2026