If your dog has gone missing in the Pinole area, head to the Animal Services shelter in Pinole as soon as you can. This is genuinely important—don’t just call or check online listings. Bring a clear photograph of your dog and fill out a Lost Animal Report in person. The staff here sees a lot of animals come through, and you’re the one who knows your dog best. A photo helps, but your eyes are what matter most when you’re walking through the kennels looking for your dog.

Once you’ve filed a report, commit to visiting in person at least every three days. I know it’s hard and emotionally draining, but this part really does make a difference. Animals are constantly being brought in, and new dogs arrive regularly. The shelter’s holding period depends on whether your dog has a current license. If your dog is licensed, they’ll hold the animal for ten working days, giving you a solid window to search. Without a current license, that window is just three working days, which is why getting that license current matters so much for your dog’s safety.

The shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 7 p.m. on Wednesday. They’re closed Sunday and Monday, so plan your visits accordingly. Major holidays will also affect their schedule, so if you’re searching around a holiday period, it’s worth confirming they’re open before you make the drive.

Losing a dog is stressful, and it’s easy to feel helpless. But showing up in person, repeatedly, gives you the best chance of finding your dog. The staff here work with lost dogs constantly, and they understand what you’re going through. Bring that photo, fill out the paperwork, and keep coming back.