The City of Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW) is warning Amarillo residents dealing with a missing pet to be aware of scams.
Scam artists are using information from social media posts on missing pets to contact pet owners. In some cases, the scam artists are contacting pet owners via text message and claiming to be an animal control officer and that the missing pet is at a local shelter. The scammers then ask for money via online cash apps such as Venmo or Zelle in order for the pet owner to claim their lost pet.
“Dealing with a missing or lost pet is traumatic enough, and scam artists are looking to take advantage of pet owners in a difficult situation,” said AAMW Director Victoria Medley.
AAMW does require a reclaim fee for lost or missing pets. However, this fee is applied at the shelter when pets are reclaimed. AAMW only accepts fee payments in-person at the AAMW shelter and NOT online, by phone or from AAMW officers in the field.
Pet owners are welcome to contact AAMW for information on lost/missing pets.
AAMW can be reached at (806) 378-9032 or by email at animals@amarillo.gov
The AAMW shelter is located at 3501 S. Osage.
The AAMW website includes detailed information on all pets housed at the shelter, including lost and found animals. Go to: amw.amarillo.gov/adoption-and-resources/adoption-list
For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov.
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