Lost & Found in Dubuque, Iowa

Lost something in Dubuque? Here are the offices that take your report.

Submit one report and we'll notify the Dubuque Police Department, City Hall, Region 8 Transit, and local social channels. Then we monitor the web continuously for matches, so you don't have to check Facebook groups and Nextdoor every single day.

What did you lose?

If there isn’t an adequate suggestion, select “Other – My item isn’t listed” and enter the item’s category. You can provide details later.

Publishing your report is free and your details stay private. The assisted search is a separate paid service, described in the Terms.

Recent activity

996
reports filed
4
in Iowa

Across the United States

Local contact details reviewed on October 7, 2026.

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How it works

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You report your loss

Tell us what you lost, where, and when. We gather the key details and generate the exact information needed for each authority in Dubuque.

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We route it to the right places

Your report goes to the Dubuque Police Department's Property & Evidence office, City Hall, Region 8 Transit (if applicable), and we post alerts to local Facebook groups and community boards.

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We search for you, automatically

For months, our system scans Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, local classifieds, and community pages for posts matching your item's description, location, and date. The moment a credible match appears, you get alerted. No more manual checking.

Where to report lost items in Dubuque

Here's what each place handles and how to contact them directly. ReportLost handles all of this for you in one step.

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Dubuque Police Department

If you've lost personal property, the Police Department's Property & Evidence office logs and holds items found by officers. We file your report with them and check which precinct covers your loss location. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Call Property & Evidence|Visit Police Department website

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City Hall

Dubuque City Hall can direct lost items to the right department or provide information about items turned in at public buildings. We ensure your report reaches the right desk and explain what details they'll need from you.

Call City Hall|City of Dubuque website

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Region 8 Regional Transit Authority

Lost something on a bus? Region 8 Transit operates Dubuque's public transportation and holds items left onboard. We identify the right route and provide Region 8 with your item description so they can check immediately. Call during business hours or leave a voicemail with details.

Call Region 8 Transit|Region 8 website

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Lost pet

If your pet is missing, contact the Dubuque Regional Humane Society immediately and report to Animal Control. Time is critical with lost pets, and we'll make sure both organizations have your information right away. Check local Facebook groups like "Lost and Found Pets of Dubuque Iowa & Surrounding Areas" as well. Then file a priority lost pet report with us for continuous monitoring.

Call Dubuque Regional Humane Society|Call Animal Control|DRHS website

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Stores, restaurants & public spaces

Lost an item at a business, park, or public venue in Dubuque? Many hold found items for a few days before discarding or donating them. We help you identify which location to contact and provide them with your description so they know what to look for. Call ahead rather than stopping by in person to save time.

⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated information? Let us know so we can review it.

Start your report now

The sooner you submit your loss to ReportLost, the sooner we can begin monitoring for matches across Dubuque's social channels and local listings. Every moment counts, but once your report is filed, the search is in motion and you can focus on your day.

Report my lost item →

Losing something valuable in Dubuque can feel overwhelming, especially when you're juggling calls to the Police Department, City Hall, the transit authority, and monitoring Facebook groups yourself. Each office handles lost property differently, and there's no central place to report everything at once.

ReportLost simplifies that chaos. One report reaches all the key authorities and community channels in Dubuque at once, and then our automated monitoring takes over, searching the entire local web continuously so you can move forward with peace of mind.

View of Dubuque, IA

Common places where items go missing in Dubuque

We monitor reports across all neighborhoods and landmarks in the area.

Downtown Dubuque

The historic riverfront district is a hub for shopping, dining, and events. Items are commonly left at restaurants, retail shops, and public gathering spaces along Main Street and the Mississippi River frontage.

University of Dubuque

The campus and its surrounding neighborhoods see frequent loss reports. Dorms, libraries, student centers, and campus buses are common loss points, especially during the academic year.

Dubuque Regional Airport area

Though a smaller facility, the airport and rental car lots can be places where travelers misplace items. Ride-share pickups and parking areas are loss hotspots.

Dodge Park & River Trails

Outdoor recreation areas, picnic spots, and walking trails along the Mississippi are where people lose personal items during leisure activities.

Commercial corridors

Shopping centers, grocery stores, and strip malls across town see steady lost and found traffic. Items left in carts, aisles, or parking lots are frequently reported.

Dubuque community lost & found channels

We post alerts to these groups and monitor them daily for matches. You can also reach out yourself.

Lost and Found Pets of Dubuque Iowa & Surrounding Areas
Active Facebook group for lost and found animals in the Dubuque area
Dubuque & Surrounding Locations Lost/Found Cats & Animals
Community-driven Facebook group for all types of missing and found pets
Nextdoor Dubuque
Neighborhood-focused platform where locals post and search for lost items and pets
Facebook Marketplace
Dubuque-based listings often feature found items for sale or free giveaway

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Dubuque Police Department hold lost property?

The Police Department's Property & Evidence office maintains lost items for a set period. Items not claimed within that window may be donated or disposed of. We recommend calling 563-587-3801 as soon as possible after your loss. ReportLost alerts them immediately so they can set your item aside.

How long do local businesses hold lost items?

Most stores and restaurants keep lost and found items for 30 to 90 days, but practices vary. Some donate or discard items sooner. ReportLost contacts these places on your behalf to establish that your item is claimed and should be held.

What if I lost something on a Region 8 bus?

Call Region 8 Transit immediately at 563-588-4592 with your route number and a detailed description. They check the bus and hold items for a limited time. ReportLost files a report with them and monitors for updates, so you don't have to call back repeatedly.

Can ReportLost help me search social media and Craigslist automatically?

Yes, that's our core service. We scan Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, local classifieds, and community pages continuously for posts matching your item's description and location. You'll be alerted the moment we find a credible match, saving you hours of manual searching.

What information do I need to provide when I report a loss?

A clear description of the item, where you lost it (street, business, or vehicle), the date and approximate time, your contact information, and any distinguishing features (brand, color, condition, unique marks). The more detail you provide, the easier it is for businesses and authorities to spot your item, and the better our automated monitoring can match it.

Is ReportLost.org an official government service?

No, ReportLost is an independent service that works alongside Dubuque's official channels. We're not part of the Police Department or City Hall, but we file reports with them on your behalf and monitor the community for matches. We save you time by coordinating the process and providing continuous web surveillance that official agencies don't offer.

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Ready to find your lost item?

Every minute you wait is another minute your item could slip away or be claimed by someone else. File your report with ReportLost right now, and we'll begin our comprehensive search across Dubuque immediately. Once you hit submit, the surveillance starts and you can breathe easier knowing professionals are on the case.

Start my report →

ReportLost.org is an independent service and is not affiliated with the Dubuque Police Department, City of Dubuque, Region 8 Regional Transit Authority, Dubuque Regional Humane Society, or any other government or business entity mentioned on this page. We coordinate on your behalf and provide additional monitoring services that these organizations do not directly provide. Always contact the relevant authorities and venues directly to verify your report has been received.