Lost your wallet, keys, or pet in Cottage Grove? Here is who to contact.
One report to ReportLost, and we route it to the Cottage Grove Police Department, local lost and found offices, and active community channels. Your report stays active, keeping an eye out for matches so you don't have to check everywhere yourself.
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
Reported in Cottage Grove
- Black walletAugust 12
Across the United States
- Wrislet clutch gray/silver bag with documents · Chicago, IL, October 8
- Ring TM on top · Greensboro, NC, October 8
- Keys · Sarasota, FL, October 8
- Keys · Brookline, MA, October 7
- Camera · Monterey, CA, October 7
Local contact details reviewed on October 7, 2026.
How it works
You report your loss
Tell us what you lost, when, and where in Cottage Grove. Include details like color, brand, and sentimental value. Takes about two minutes.
We route it to the right places
Your report goes straight to the Cottage Grove Police Department's lost and found, relevant local businesses or venues, and community networks like Lost Or Found Pets groups. No more guessing which desk to call.
Your report keeps searching
For 12 months, your report stays active and continues to check for matches across local posts, community announcements, and found item reports. You'll get an alert the moment a credible match shows up, without having to refresh social media daily.
Where to report and who can help
Cottage Grove has dedicated services for lost items and lost pets. Here's where each one operates.
Cottage Grove Police Department
The police department accepts lost and found reports and can direct you to where items are held. We generate the precise information you'll need and connect you directly so there's no back-and-forth.
Village and Town Halls
Both the Village of Cottage Grove and the Town of Cottage Grove maintain lost and found offices and records. We make sure your report reaches the right location for your area.
Village of Cottage Grove (608) 839-4704|Town of Cottage Grove (608) 839-5021
Metro Transit (Madison area buses)
If you lost something on a Madison Metro Transit bus serving the Cottage Grove area, Metro's lost and found staff hold items and can help match you with your belongings. We'll ensure your report includes the right contact details and route number if you know it.
Dane County Regional Airport
Travelers who lost something at the airport can contact the airport's lost and found office directly. We point you to the exact department and reference number to speed up your claim.
Lost and Found Pets
Missing a cat, dog, or other pet in Cottage Grove? The Dane County Humane Society maintains a lost pet registry and coordinates with local animal control. We'll file your pet as lost and ensure it reaches the right shelter and rescue networks. If your pet needs urgent help, file a priority lost pet report to activate our dedicated pet search protocol.
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated information? Let us know so we can review it.
A few minutes now saves hours of searching later
The faster you report, the more active channels pick up your notice, and the better your chances of a match. Submitting your report today means Cottage Grove's community and official networks go to work for you tonight.
Report my lost item →Losing something in Cottage Grove means calling the police, checking local Facebook groups, contacting the humane society if it's a pet, and hoping a kind neighbor posted a photo in the right community channel. It's a scattered process, and the longer you wait between reports, the colder the trail gets.
ReportLost simplifies this by filing your report across all the right channels at once, and then keeping your report active and searching for you. Once you've submitted, you can breathe easy. Your description stays in play for months, automatically cross-checked against new found item announcements and community posts, so you're not constantly re-posting or re-calling to ask if anyone's seen your ring, purse, or missing dog.
Common places where things get lost in Cottage Grove
From downtown shops to neighborhood streets, here are spots where reports come in most often.
Downtown Cottage Grove & Main Street
Shops, cafes, and the busy commercial strip where wallets, phones, and keys are frequently left behind or dropped.
Cottage Grove Road and Highway 51 area
Major transit corridors where people often stop at businesses and lose items in their cars or parking lots.
Parks and recreational areas
Local parks and outdoor spaces where families lose jewelry, glasses, and personal belongings during outings.
Residential neighborhoods
Dogs and cats wander away from homes, and deliveries sometimes end up at the wrong address or are misplaced.
Community networks that help
Cottage Grove residents actively post lost and found items on these channels. We connect your report to them.
Facebook group for pet owners reporting lost and found animals
Subreddit for Cottage Grove discussion and local community updates
Wider Madison subreddit where Cottage Grove residents post found items and lost pet alerts
Official police department page where community notices are shared
Neighborhood app connecting local residents to report and find lost items nearby
Questions about losing and finding items in Cottage Grove
How long does the Cottage Grove Police Department hold lost items?
Check with the Cottage Grove Police Department directly at (608) 839-4652 for their specific retention policy. Typically, departments hold items for 30 to 90 days before disposal, so reporting quickly is important.
What if I lost something at a local business or store?
Call the business directly first. If you can't retrieve it, ReportLost will include local business locations in your report to the police department so they have a complete picture of where to check.
How do I report a lost pet in Cottage Grove?
Contact the Dane County Humane Society at (608) 838-0413 ext. 182 or email lostandfound@giveshelter.org with photos and details. ReportLost can file your lost pet report across all local channels and keep it active for months.
Can ReportLost help if I lost something on a Metro Transit bus?
Yes. We'll include Metro Transit's lost and found contact and ensure your description reaches them. Call (608) 266-4904 or email mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com directly to check if your item has been turned in.
What if I lost something at Dane County Regional Airport?
Contact the airport's lost and found office at (608) 661-4809 during business hours. ReportLost will include this in your report and keep your description active in case your item is found after your first inquiry.
Is ReportLost.org an official service or does it replace calling the police?
ReportLost is an independent service that complements, not replaces, official channels. We file your report with the Cottage Grove Police Department and other local services on your behalf, then keep your description circulating for months so you don't have to. You still have direct contact with police and businesses; we just make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Ready to report your loss?
Submit your report now, and we'll get your information to the right people in Cottage Grove while keeping your case active and searchable for the long haul. The sooner you file, the sooner the search begins.
Start my report →ReportLost.org is an independent service and is not affiliated with the Cottage Grove Police Department, Village of Cottage Grove, Town of Cottage Grove, Dane County Humane Society, Metro Transit, Dane County Regional Airport, or any other local authority or business mentioned. We file reports on your behalf but do not speak for or replace official lost and found services. Always verify contact information directly with local entities for current policies and procedures.