There's No Place Like Home for a Lost Pet
Every year, San Diego Humane Society receives nearly 15,000 stray pets and only 25% of them are reunited with their families. What if that lost pet was yours? Nobody thinks it will happen to them — until it does. Luckily there are some simple ways to be prepared, so your beloved furry family member can return home as quickly as possible.
Throughout the month of March, we’re partnering with Maddie’s Fund in the No Place Like Home Challenge to reunite lost pets with their owners.
Here are 4 steps to protect your pets before they become lost:
- Make sure your pet has ID. A secure collar and tag with current contact information is the easiest and fastest way to reunite with a lost pet.
- Get your pet microchipped. This kind of ID is a proven way to successfully reunite with your lost pet. Veterinary offices and shelters can quickly scan lost pets for microchips and contact owners. San Diego Humane Society offers microchipping at each campus for $25. Schedule your appointment online. Keep in mind, microchips don’t replace collars and tags, which remain the easiest and fastest way for pets to be reunited with owners.
- Check that your dog has an up-to-date license. This can help shelters identify your pet and reduces reclaim fees.
- Keep current photos of your pets. By having these on your phone and computer, you’ll be ready to make lost pet flyers, post on Nextdoor or file a report.
Is your pet already microchipped?
As the clocks spring forward this weekend, we’re celebrating Straylight Savings — the perfect time to check if your pet’s microchip info is current! Has your address or phone number changed? Be sure to update your information directly with the microchip company.
If your pet goes missing:
- Visit our Lost a Pet page for steps including how to file a lost report.
- Post about your missing pet on social media and search neighborhood websites like our partner PawBoost, which has a lost and found database where you can search for your missing pet.
Found a lost pet?
You may be able to reunite them with their owner without ever going to a shelter. Often, the lost pet lives in your neighborhood, just a few blocks away. Visit our Found a Lost Pet page for steps to getting that pet home.
Sometimes lost pets just need a little help finding their way back home, so we’re here for them and for the people who love them! Thank you for taking steps to help your pet safely return to you.
There truly is no place like home for a lost pet!
Published: March 12, 2021
