Preventing Lost Pet
Diana L. Guerrero

Pets who travel between residences pose unique problems and taking a few precautions can prevent pet loss. Understanding the steps to recovering a lost pet is critical to reducing stress and to getting the critter back home.

Remember, all it takes is one open door, a fallen screen along with an open window, or a natural disaster to release a pet to the outdoors.

Use caution when you return after a trip. Make sure pets are secured in a carrier or on a leash when entering and exiting vehicles.

If it has been a while since your last visit, take a few minutes to walk the perimeter of fences to check that no holes have appeared under the fence. Check that fencing is upright and intact, and that gates latch securely and lock.

In the mountains, pets do better as indoor creatures. Predators, cars, and disease are some of the hazards posed by the outdoors. So, when out hiking or strolling, always make sure the animal is securely attached to a leash.

Pets should always wear ID tags with current information. The simple tag is often their best ticket home. Most pet stores sell temporary ID’s where you can write the information on the tag and have it on your pet immediately.

As a secondary strategy, take advantage of micro-chip programs provided by local veterinarians, animal control agencies, or shelters.

Annually update pet photos on birthdays or adoption anniversaries. Those snapshots can be used to construct a preformatted “Lost Pet” flyer. Recent photographs can also be integrated into a pet ID card that fits into the owner’s wallet.

When making up lost pet posters, provide only the lost dog or cat information: a brief description, collar information, and include your area code and phone number. Place posters throughout the neighborhood, on bulletin boards, at post offices, and in public gathering areas. Include a reward announcement and/or medical alerts.

On a national level, there are several pet registry agencies. They provide special ID tags with an 800 number that people can call. Most services allow regional searches.

If you lose an animal, search around the location where the animal was lost or last seen. Physically visit the county or city run shelters since, by law, animals should be taken there.

Most newspapers and some radio stations will provide free public service ads to announce lost and found animals. Contact them. [See Side Bar]

If you have the resources, some pet detectives search for lost animals. Many times these professionals have an effective network they use.

Here in the small community of Big Bear Valley everyone will help. Reach out locally--but prevent companion animal loss and go get your precious pet a new ID tag today!

Local Lost Pet Resources

Big Bear Animal Shelter
North Shore Drive at Stanfield Cutoff
Big Bear City, CA 92314
(909) 866-4943

Big Bear Valley Humane Society
(909) 866-5555

The Grizzly, Weekender, and Big Bear Shopper
(909) 866-3456 or (909) 866-7676
www.bigbeargrizzly.net

KBHR 93.3 FM & Big Bear News (Online)
(909) 584-5247
www.kbhr933.com

Regional Resources [cut this segment, if lack of space]

www.animallaw.info

Pets 911 Online
www.pets911.com

Pet Finder Online
www.petfinder.com

Rescuers Online Shelter Directory
www.rescuers.com/shelters.htm

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