Found a Pet?

Thank you for helping a stray animal. Silicon Valley Pet Project (SVPP) is a foster-based nonprofit—we don’t operate a public shelter, but we do partner with compassionate community members willing to foster and help promote pets until adoption.

Before you apply to foster through SVPP, please complete the steps below.

Start Here: Make Sure You’ve Done These Steps

  1. Check our Lost a Pet page: Follow the identification and reunification steps (posters, neighborhood posts, shelter check, etc.).

  2. Scan for a microchip (twice if possible): Many vets and shelters will scan for free.

  3. Report the found pet to the correct animal care facility (refer to Lost a Pet) for the address where the pet was found (required by local law).  Keep your found report/ID number.

  4. Hold period: Be willing to follow the legal/required hold period so an owner can reclaim.

If there’s a match with an owner at any time, the pet must be returned.

SVPP Community Foster Pathway (Finder → Foster → Adoption)

If there’s no owner and you’re able to help foster with SVPP’s support:

1) Request an SVPP Assessment

  • Complete our Found Pet Foster Request Form.

  • We’ll ask for: location found, found report number, photos/video, temperament notes, and any medical concerns.

  • SVPP will assess (in person) the pet’s behavior/health, adoptability and our current capacity before we can accept the pet into foster care.

2) If Accepted: Join as a Community Foster

SVPP provides:

  • Veterinary care coordination and expenses once enrolled (pre-approval required)

  • Basic supplies (as available): food, crate, leash/collar, litter, meds

  • Adoption support: bio writing help, adoption screening, contracts

Community foster (you) provides:

  • Safe, loving foster home until adoption (no guaranteed timeline)

  • Daily care & transport to vet appointments, meet & greets, events

  • Active promotion (critical right now—adoptions are extremely slow):

    • Post weekly on Nextdoor, your Instagram/Facebook/TikTok/LinkedIn, neighborhood groups

    • Short videos/Reels (7–15s) and clear photos

    • Flyers at your vet, coffee shops, workplace

    • Share updates with SVPP for our channels

Important: SVPP cannot guarantee adoption timing. We rely on your continued outreach to help the pet get seen and adopted. If you are unable to continue to foster this pet and cannot find an alternate foster, SVPP will likely not be able to continue to sponsor this animal due to limited foster parent resources. 

What We Expect (so everyone succeeds)

  • Communication: 24–48 hr response time with the SVPP team; share weekly updates and media.

  • Safety: Secure yard/leash, slow intros to resident pets, follow SVPP medical/behavior guidance.

Marketing plan: In your request, tell us specifically how you’ll promote this pet (e.g., weekly Nextdoor posts, 2 Reels/week, flyers at XYZ, attending 1 adoption event/month).

Tips for Faster Adoption

  • Great photos: face + full body; bright window light; one with a person

  • Short video: playful moment or cuddle, 10–15 seconds

  • Strong bio: 3–4 lines—personality, home needs, training, best qualities

  • Be consistent: post/share weekly with a fresh image or update

Show up: attend adoption events and be available for in-person meet and greets

FAQs

Can SVPP take every found pet?
We prioritize at-risk shelter animals and accept found pets case by case based on safety, behavior, medical needs, and foster capacity.

Who pays for vet care?
Once enrolled with SVPP, pre-approved veterinary care is covered by SVPP. SVPP cannot reimburse you for any care provided before the pet was accepted into our program.

How long is the commitment?
Varies. With slow adoption rates, please be prepared for weeks to months. Your promotion efforts can make a big difference.

What if the original owner comes forward?
Return is required if ownership is verified.

Thank you

Your willingness to foster and partner on outreach can save a life. Questions before you apply? Contact [info@svpetproject.org] with subject “Found Pet – Foster Inquiry.”