Lost & Found Guide

Lost something in Des Moines, WA? Report it and get help fast.

One report connects you with Des Moines Police, local transit services, animal control, and active community channels. We monitor marketplaces and local social networks continuously so you don't have to refresh feeds every 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
15
in Washington

Washington : the owner's claim window is 60 days, shorter than in most states, and a finder must report the find within 7 days. (RCW 63.21)

Across the United States

Local contact details reviewed on October 7, 2026.

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How ReportLost Works

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You File Your Report

Tell us what you lost, where, and when. We gather the details needed to alert the right local agencies and channels.

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We Route It to the Right Places

Your report goes directly to Des Moines Police, the relevant transit lost and found, animal control (if applicable), and local community networks. No runaround, no repeated phone calls.

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Automated Monitoring Finds Matches

For 12 months, we scan Facebook groups, Nextdoor, PawBoost, marketplaces, and local posts matching your item's description, location, and timing. When a credible match surfaces, you get an alert right away.

Where to Report & What ReportLost Does

Below are the official channels in Des Moines. You can contact them directly, or let us handle the routing and monitoring.

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Des Moines Police Department

The police maintain a lost and found for items reported in their jurisdiction. Bring items there or call their non-emergency line to ask if something has been turned in. ReportLost identifies which details matter most for the report and confirms the item was properly logged.

Non-Emergency Line: 206-878-3301|Visit desmoineswa.gov/police

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Public Transit Lost & Found

If you lost something on a King County Metro, Pierce Transit, or Community Transit bus in the Des Moines area, each has its own lost and found process. ReportLost directs your report to the correct transit agency based on your route and time, and we follow up with them on your behalf.

King County Metro: 206-553-3000|Pierce Transit: 253-581-8000|Community Transit: 425-348-2350

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Des Moines International Airport

Lost something at the airport, in a rental car, or on a flight? DSM airport coordinates with airlines and the TSA. Items are held for up to 60 days. ReportLost ensures your report reaches the right airport department and checks back if a match isn't found immediately.

Airport Lost & Found: 515-256-5050|TSA Lost & Found: 515-256-5100|Visit flydsm.com

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Animal Control & Shelters

Lost a pet? Des Moines Animal Control and C.A.R.E.S. (Burien & Des Moines Animal Control) receive found animals. The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County and local shelters also maintain lost pet databases. ReportLost files your pet report across these systems and monitors PawBoost, local Facebook groups, and 24PetWatch around the clock. File a priority lost pet report.

Des Moines Animal Control: 206-878-3301|C.A.R.E.S.: buriencares@gmail.com|Humane Society: 253-383-2733

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Shops, Restaurants & Public Spaces

Lost something at a store, café, or park in Des Moines? Most businesses keep lost items at their customer service desk for a limited time. ReportLost helps you identify the exact location and generate the clearest description to call ahead with, so the business knows exactly what to look for.

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

Ready to Get Started?

The sooner you file a report, the sooner we can alert the right people and start monitoring. Once you've submitted, our team takes it from there, and you can focus on other things.

Report my lost item →

Losing something in Des Moines can feel scattered. The police have a lost and found. King County Metro buses and Pierce Transit each maintain their own systems. Animal control, local Facebook groups, and PawBoost all operate independently. Most people end up making phone calls to each one, checking multiple sites daily, and hoping something turns up. It's exhausting and easy to miss a match.

ReportLost simplifies the whole process. File once, and we notify every relevant local channel and then keep watching the web on your behalf. You can breathe easy knowing that if your item shows up on a community post, a marketplace, or a lost pet database, we'll spot it and let you know immediately.

View of Des Moines, WA

Common Areas in Des Moines, WA

Losses happen everywhere. Here are neighborhoods where our users frequently report items.

Downtown Des Moines

Along 11th Avenue and the city center, where businesses, City Hall, and parks intersect. Items lost near shops and civic buildings often end up at local storefronts or the police station.

Transit Hubs & Bus Routes

King County Metro and Pierce Transit stops around Des Moines. Items left on buses are logged by each transit agency's lost and found system within days of discovery.

Residential & Highland Areas

Neighborhoods like Highland and surrounding residential zones. Lost pets and personal items in these areas often get spotted by neighbors and posted on community Facebook groups.

Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Travelers lose items during check-in, security, boarding, and in rental car facilities. The airport's lost and found holds items for up to 60 days and works with airlines.

Community Networks & Local Groups

Des Moines residents actively share found items on these platforms. ReportLost monitors them all.

Facebook Groups
Lost & Found posts and pet groups for Des Moines and surrounding Burien areas
Nextdoor
Neighborhood-level posts where locals report found items and lost pets
PawBoost
Regional lost and found pet database with active Des Moines community
r/desmoines
Reddit community for Des Moines where people post found and lost items

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the police hold lost items?

Des Moines Police holds items in their lost and found for a period determined by city policy. ReportLost confirms your item is logged and follows up regularly to ensure it isn't released before you have a chance to claim it.

What if I lost something on a bus?

Contact the transit agency that operates the route. King County Metro (206-553-3000), Pierce Transit (253-581-8000), and Community Transit (425-348-2350) each manage their own lost and found. Items are typically held for 30 to 90 days. ReportLost files the report with the right agency based on your route details.

How long does the airport hold lost items?

Des Moines International Airport holds items for a maximum of 60 days. If your item was lost at security (TSA), contact the TSA directly at 515-256-5100. ReportLost ensures both the airport and relevant airline are notified.

Where can I pick up a found item?

Most items can be claimed at the location where they were lost or turned in (police station, transit hub, airport, store). When you're reunited with your item through ReportLost's monitoring, we provide you with the pickup location and any required details.

How does ReportLost monitor for matches?

We scan Facebook groups, Nextdoor, PawBoost, marketplace listings, Reddit, and other public local channels continuously for 12 months. Our system matches descriptions, locations, and dates to alert you the moment a credible match appears. You don't have to check every site yourself.

Is ReportLost official? Do I have to file with the police first?

ReportLost is an independent service that helps coordinate reports and monitor the web. We are not affiliated with Des Moines Police, transit agencies, or the city. Filing a report with us does not replace filing with the police or relevant local agency, but we handle notifying them and monitoring on your behalf.

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Don't Let Your Item Disappear

The moment you realize something is lost, file a report. ReportLost takes care of notifying all the right places and watching for it across the web, so you can stop worrying and start looking forward.

Start my report →

ReportLost.org is an independent service and is not affiliated with the City of Des Moines, Des Moines Police Department, King County Metro, Pierce Transit, Community Transit, Des Moines International Airport, C.A.R.E.S., the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, or any other government or private agency mentioned. We provide coordination and monitoring services to complement official lost and found channels.