Lost a Pet? I Can Help

If you have lost a companion animal in Buckfield, Hartford, Sumner, West Paris, Stoneham, or the Oxford County Unorganized Territories, help is available. I know how stressful it is when an animal goes missing, and the best first step is getting the information into the dispatch system so it can be acted on quickly.

What to Do First

• Stay calm. Many animals are located close to home, even if they are not immediately visible.
• Check your immediate area. Walk or slowly drive nearby roads and trails, especially during quieter times of day.
• Talk to neighbors. Someone may have seen the animal or taken them in for safety.
• Contact dispatch. Reporting the animal ensures sightings and pickups can be properly logged and relayed.

Report a Lost Animal

Please contact Oxford County Dispatch at 207-743-9554, option 0.

Dispatch will take the report and notify Animal Control so efforts can begin right away. If there are sightings, dispatch is also the fastest way to get that information to me in real time.

Helpful Tips That Often Make a Difference

• Post clear, simple notices in local Facebook and community groups for Buckfield, Hartford, Sumner, West Paris, Stoneham, and nearby areas. Include a photo if you have one and a general location, not a full address.
• Avoid chasing or calling loudly if the animal is nervous or fearful. This can cause them to move farther away.
• Set out familiar items like bedding or a feeding station near the last known location if appropriate.
• If the missing animal is a feline, quiet searching and patience are especially important. Many are found hiding close by.
• If you have questions or receive new information, continue to route it through dispatch so nothing is missed.

Brandon E. Holmes
Animal Control Officer
Serving Buckfield, Hartford, Sumner, West Paris, Stoneham, and Oxford County Unorganized Territories