Lost and Found Animals

Lost and Found Animals
May Day…How to avoid a Lost Pet “MayDay”
As the weather gets nicer in most of our states, there is greater opportunity for our pets to find a way out of the yard or house and end up lost. We at Pets911 wanted to take this opportunity to give you suggestions on what you can do right now that may get your pet home faster should (s)he get lost:
  • Always license your pet with your county or city. If your pet is lost, many shelters offer extended services if the pet is wearing their license – ex. They may hold them longer, try to reach you by phone, post a flyer on your door, or return the animal before it ever enters the shelter. Plus, the money you send in helps to support shelter animals waiting for homes! Please comply with your license requirements – it saves lives, and maybe even the life of your beloved pet. If there is no licensing requirement in your area, have a personal tag made up with your CURRENT contact information.
  • Always keep your collar on your pet with its tags. We consistently hear “Fido got out of our house and he didn’t have his tags on!”. If the tags jingle, get a tag silencer. Make sure you have a properly fitting collar and your pet will adjust to it.
  • Indoor cats need collars and tags too. They can sneak out when a delivery person arrives, during renovations to your home, or when the door just doesn’t close all the way.
  • Consider getting a microchip for your pet. It is typically a simple procedure not requiring anesthesia. Be sure to learn about the cost and actual procedure before you decide. You should make an informed decision.
  • Take a photo of your pet with a digital camera and keep it current on your computer. If you don’t have a digital camera, photo development locations can put your photos on disk for you. If your pet ever gets lost, you’ll have a photo to show, post and print. Photos can make a HUGE difference in getting your pet back faster.
  • If you move, UPDATE everything – tags, microchips, vet information, etc. And, learn where your county or city shelter is located. Keep in mind, there may be several branches. Pets can travel far, or are picked up by kind strangers who take them home. They may live on the other side of town. Knowing all of your county or city shelter locations in advance can help out in a frantic situation.
  • Keep you pet safely secured inside if they are spooked by fireworks, thunderstorms, etc.
  • Train your pet to stay in your yard. It may not work all the time when tempted by a seductive rabbit or other lure, but it can work!
  • If your backyard is gated or fenced, consider putting a lock on the gate so that no one from the outside can open the gate – especially when you aren’t home.
  • Also, walk around your fences – especially chain-link fences or wooden fences - checking and repairing as needed. Look for holes that need to be filled in. If your dog is a digger, consider pouring concrete by your gate so that he can’t dig himself out of the yard.
  • Have your pet spayed or neutered – it reduces the roaming urge! This is also a fantastic time to have a microchip implanted.
  • If your pet is lost, contact your local Animal Shelter (Cut Bank Animal Shelter, 406-391-2273), Police Department (Cut Bank Police Department 406-873-2288) and Sheriff Department (Glacier County Sheriff Department 406-873-2711). Don't wait for your dog to return home, call as soon as you know that your pet is missing. The faster law enforcement knows the faster your pet will be back in your arms. List him/her on Pets911.com. We hear fabulous reunion stories everyday! We would prefer, however, not to hear yours…we’d rather that your pets were safe at home. But, if they do get out, we are here for you!!