A message from the original creator of jaxlostpets: Many people assume their lost pet is in the neighborhood. It may or may not be. Frequently a passerby rescues a pet and the pet goes to a different location. The person returns a couple times looking for signs about a lost pet. To further complicate things, sometimes, the pet goes outside to do what a pet has to do at the new location, smells something, and follows its nose, to never be seen again by the person who found it originally. The point is, a lost pet can turn up anywhere. Found pets are assumed to be from the neighborhood. Reverse the above scenario and you will know that a found pet is basically found. And where is it from? From home. The nails are trimmed. The teeth are clean. The coat is well cared for. Don't assume these indicate the pet has been away from home for only a short time. Pet finders generally take very good care of the pets in their charge, including a trip to their vet or groomer for a grooming and a flea treatment, if needed. A pet can stay for short time at one place and wander to another place. At most places, the pet will be well cared for. About collars, harnesses, leashes and tags. If a pet has any of those, when it leaves home, do not assume that the pet has any when it is found. A pet can easily leave home with a red collar and be found with a green collar, harness, etc. If you found a pet, check for a tattoo or microchip. They identify the owner's name, address and telephone number. Tattoos are generally on the inner thigh of a pet. Tattoos are registered with a tattoo registry. Your vet and most agencies will scan a pet for a microchip. |