We know emergencies don’t come with instructions—but following these steps gives lost pets the best chance of getting home safely. Thank you for stopping, caring, and doing the right thing.
If you have questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Finding a lost or stray animal can be overwhelming—but your actions in the first few hours matter. Follow the steps below to keep the animal safe and ensure you’re complying with Moore County Animal Operations guidelines.
File a Found Pet Report with The Pilot Newspaper as soon as possible.
This officially begins the 72-hour stray hold required by Moore County ordinance.
This step is critical—it protects you and gives the pet’s owner a fair chance to locate and reclaim their pet.
If the animal has no collar or visible ID, the next step is to scan for a microchip. You can visit one of our microchip scanning stations installed throughout Moore County (listed below), or stop by a local vet clinic or shelter.
Scan for a Microchip at one of our public stations:
📍 Burney True Value Hardware – Seven Lakes
📍 Moore Equine Feed & Pet – Southern Pines
📍 Carthage Farm Supply – Carthage
📍 Burney True Value Hardware – Aberdeen
Microchips are one of the fastest and most effective ways to reunite pets with their families. These stations give our community the tools to act immediately—and potentially bring a pet home the very same day.
For everyone’s safety, keep the found animal separate from your own pets.
This helps prevent stress, potential fights, and the spread of illness.
Not sure how to do this safely?
Feel free to use our Decompression Guide to help.
Post clear photos and details on local social media groups, and ask friends and family to share. Many lost pets are found through community posts before the 72-hour hold ends.
Include:
Moore County has specific rules in place to protect animals, owners, and good Samaritans. View the Moore County Animal Operations Ordinance below.
Call Immediately:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control:
888‑426‑4435 (24/7 – fees may apply)
Pet Poison Helpline:
855‑764‑7661 (24/7)
Your local veterinarian or emergency vet clinic
Important Note:
Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian or poison control professional. Have the product container or substance available to identify ingredients. Call immediately — experts can determine toxicity and guide critical care.
If Active or Dangerous Call 911 immediately. Do NOT attempt to physically intervene. Dog fights are extremely dangerous.
Report Suspected or Ongoing Dog Fighting to:
Moore County Animal Services: (910) 947‑2850
HSUS Dogfighting Tip Line (Anonymous):
1‑877‑847‑4787
Be Prepared to Provide the exact location or address, a description of individuals involved, the number and description of dogs, and signs of abuse (chains, fighting pits, training equipment, etc.).
North Carolina law requires dog bites to be reported within 24 hours due to rabies protocol. Report Immediately:
Moore County Animal Services:
910‑947‑2858
Sheriff’s Office or 911 (if the dog is aggressive or the situation is urgent)
What Happens Next?:
Animal Services will investigate and initiate a mandatory 10‑day rabies quarantine for the animal.
Provide a description of the dog, owner information (if known), and incident location.
Always seek medical care first.
If you see an animal suffering, speak up. Reporting can save a life.
Moore County Animal Services: (910) 947‑2858
Immediate Danger? Call 911 or local law enforcement.
When Reporting, provide an exact address, description of the animal(s), specific concerns (no food/water, no shelter, injuries, severe emaciation, abandonment), photos or video if safely obtained.
If local agencies fail to act, reports may be escalated to the North Carolina Department of Justice Animal Welfare Hotline.
855-290-6915
If you see an animal suffering, speak up. Reporting can save a life.
Reports can sometimes be made anonymously, but providing
contact information may lead to a more thorough investigation.
Follow-up is crucial to ensure accountability, as investigations may
not be immediate or thorough, and cases can be closed prematurely.
Maintain a record of dates, times, and officers contacted, and make
polite, persistent inquiries if no action is taken.
| Scroll left to right | Who to call | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Life-Threatening Emergency (Immediate Danger, Active Violence, Aggressive Dog, Dog Fight in Progress) |
911
|
Do NOT intervene physically. Call immediately.
|
| Dog Ate Something Toxic / Suspected Poisoning |
ASPCA Animal Poison Control 888‑426‑4435 (24/7)Pet Poison Helpline 855‑764‑7661 (24/7)
|
Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed. Have the product/container ready. Fees may apply.
|
| Local Veterinary Emergency |
Contact your vet or nearest emergency clinic (Southern Pines/Pinehurst area)
|
Call ahead while en route if possible.
|
| Dog Bite Incident |
Moore County Animal Services 910‑947‑2858 or 911 if urgent
|
Must be reported within 24 hours. 10‑day rabies quarantine required by law.
|
| Stray / Lost Animal (Non‑Emergency) |
Moore County Animal Services 910‑947‑2858
|
File a Found Pet Report with The Pilot and scan for microchip first.
|
| Suspected Neglect or Abuse |
Moore County Animal Services 910‑947‑2858or 911 if animal is in immediate danger
|
Provide exact address, details, photos if safe.
|
| Suspected Dog Fighting (Ongoing or Past) |
Moore County Animal Services 910‑947‑2850 HSUS Tip Line: 1‑877‑TIP‑HSUS
|
Anonymous reporting available. Potential reward through HSUS.
|
Moore County Animal Services (910) 947‑2858
HSUS Dogfighting Tip Line 1‑877‑TIP‑HSUS
ASPCA Poison Control 888‑426‑4435
Pet Poison Helpline 855‑764‑7661
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