Hespeler Animal Hospital

Lost and not Found – How to protect your pets

Our lives have become so high-tech. We have GPS and the internet, so you’d think finding a lost pet would be easier than before.
Sadly, the odds are still stacked against our pets. Isn’t there some way to insure that your pet will return safely if lost?

We all love the stories of dogs and cats who travel long distances to find their way back home. Unfortunately, this is rare. For every pet that makes it back safely, there are tens of thousands who never live to see home again!

Humane groups and pet industry consultants tell us that over 5 million pets will be lost in North America this year. One pet in every three will be lost at some point in his or her lifetime. Fewer than 17% of the dogs and only 2% of cats ever make it back to their owners. Sadly, most will be euthanized in over-crowded animal shelters. Why does this problem continue year after year?

First, despite leash laws and other ordinances, many families are reluctant to tie out their dogs or keep their cats from roaming. Especially in rural areas.

Secondly, although there are 200 million pets in North America, only a small percentage has some form of permanent identification.
Tags and collars are easily lost or removed.

Only some pets have a microchip. According to industry data, only about 5% of all pets in North America are “chipped”. Chips are great, but they only work if the pet owner keeps the information updated if they move. Microchip companies state that only half of chipped pets are registered with correct and current information.

Other forms of identification, such as tattooing, are rare and hard to read. A shelter employee or veterinary office may not even see the tattoo.

Finally, even though they have good intentions, shelters and rescues are often overwhelmed with pets. A telephone description of your lost pet might not match what the employee sees in front of him.

In spite of these overwhelming odds, you can take steps to help your pet make it home. First, neuter your pet to decrease roaming urges. Use both ID tags and a microchip. Don’t allow your pet to wander the neighbourhood.

Next, if your pet does become lost, act immediately! Don’t delay in the hopes that he will simply find his way back. The faster you respond, the better your odds are of finding him. Visit local shelters daily. Print “Lost Pet” posters for your neighbourhood with a photo of your pet and your contact information.

Call the microchip company to enlist their help. Consider registering with pet recovery services, such as HelpMeFindMyPet.com , Find Toto.com and Amber Alert for Pets.

Many of these companies will contact all veterinary offices, groomers, shelters, and pet stores within a certain radius of your pet’s last known location, via email or fax, about your pet’s disappearance. Some use social media networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, to make announcements.

According to Jessica Staton of HelpMeFindMyPet, more than 87% of pets reported through their system make it home. Additionally, this service continues to broadcast alerts until the pet is found!

We all want our family members to stay close to home and to heart. But, like all children, our pets love to explore. Work with your veterinarian to make sure all your pets are properly identified with tags and/or microchips. Then, use the power of the Internet if your pet decides to wander off.