The Animal Welfare and Public Safety team at Pound Buddies is on duty from 8 am until 8 pm to handle “dogs at large” calls.

Please contact us at (231) 724-6500 if you see unattended dogs that may pose a danger to themselves or to the public.

Under no circumstances, are you expected to apprehend an animal that is unwilling or aggressive. If you are able to capture an image of the loose dog(s) on your phone, it can be very helpful.

When calling, please try to give the nearest cross streets where the dog(s) are located and a description of the dog(s).

From 8 pm to 8 am, when Pound Buddies is closed, please call the non-emergency number at Central Dispatch at (231) 722-2512.

If you plan to bring a dog you have found to the shelter, please call (231) 724-6500 so we can be prepared to intake the dog.

All dogs brought to the shelter are posted on the Facebook group page, Lost and Found Pets-Muskegon & Surrounding Area in an attempt to quickly find the owner.

If you have lost a pet, Pound Buddies should be your first resource. Lost dogs come to Pound Buddies through a variety of ways…Good Samaritan pick ups, Pound Buddies’ dispatch, and law-enforcement.

Lost dogs coming into Pound Buddies will be immediately posted on the Facebook group, Lost and Found Pets-Muskegon & Surrounding Area.

You are welcome to call (231) 724-6500 to inquire about your pet, however, because of the numerous pets taken in every day and the similarity of many pets, we strongly recommend coming to the shelter with a picture of your pet. A staff member will be happy to search our intake area and take pictures of any dogs that resemble your lost pet. For this reason, Pound Buddies will not confirm or verify the identity of a dog over the phone.

All pet owners are required to have proof of ownership prior to the release of a pet in our custody (a photo, vet bills, license, rabies, etc.)
Please view the following link to fully understand our policy on releasing a pet to their owner of record when at the shelter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtfFr_zX-lo&t=10s.

Pound Buddies’ goal is to reunite lost dogs with their owners of record as quickly as possible. If you are in need of an identification tag for your pet, Pound Buddies provides that service at a minimal cost to you.

Pound Buddies takes reports of abuse very seriously and works closely with law-enforcement to identify, confirm and prosecute cases of abuse and neglect.

When you call Pound Buddies with a concern, we will conduct a “well-pet” check as the first step in our investigation. Sometimes, a pet owner just needs a little help caring for their pet and we’re here to help.

A “well-pet” check will ensure that the dog has been provided with adequate shelter, water and food source, and any other mandates required by law. If you have a concern about the welfare of an animal, please complete the Animal Care & Control Complaint Form, and a staff member will be dispatched as quickly as possibly

Every case is unique, and Pound Buddies is prepared to handle all situations with the utmost integrity and compassion. Trained Animal Welfare & Public Safety staff members are sworn to uphold current federal, state and municipal laws, and they provide court testimony in extreme cases when prosecution is indicated.

If you suspect animal abuse or neglect, call the shelter at (231) 724-6500 and relay as much information as possible about your concerns.