How to verify the real owner of a found pet — safely
4 min read
Most claimants are genuine and desperate. A small number are not. These checks cost you nothing and protect the animal.
Hold one detail back
Leave one identifying feature out of your public post — a scar, a notched ear, a tag engraving, an unusual paw marking — and ask the claimant to describe it unprompted.
Never offer the answer in the question. 'Does she have anything unusual about her ears?' is a leading question; 'Can you describe any distinctive markings?' is not.
Ask for evidence that predates your post
Older photos of the animal at home, vet records, adoption paperwork, or the microchip number are all strong proof. A genuine owner usually has a phone full of pictures.
The microchip number is the cleanest check: ask for it, then have a vet scan and compare.
Hand over safely
Meet in a public place in daylight — a vet clinic car park is ideal, since a scan can settle any doubt on the spot. Take someone with you.
Keep every conversation inside the app until you are satisfied. On Pet Social, in-app chat means you never have to publish your phone number or address to reunite a pet.
Post a free alert on Pet Social
Free to post, free to search, and every first conversation stays private inside the app.
Reunions, sightings and tips daily on Instagram — @petsocial2026