Jan 2

 I’ve been receiving more and more calls about lost animals. This is not an area of my work I consider to be in my “lane” and will sometimes try and help, but would prefer not to do so. 

Most people don’t know that only about one to three percent of lost animals is actually ever found by their parents. It goes up to three percent if they have a microchip. That percentage does not take into account those animals that are found but die due to illness. The ones that are found have always been because their parents work exceptionally hard to find them and don’t give up hope. 

So I ask all those reading this to think about and pass on the following: 

Even if your animal never goes outside get them microchipped. If they do end up at the Humane Society they will check for it and contact you. Also make sure the information is up to date. 

Don’t under estimate a scared animal. Too many get out of their carriers and escape collar leashes. I recommend a harness leash for all dogs. Carriers need to be carefully checked to ensure they are latched tightly. The nylon carriers can be torn by cats, I know I had a cat who did that. 

Keep all cats inside. I can’t say this enough. You wouldn’t (hopefully) let your dog roam around why do you think it’s okay for your cat? They don’t live as long as house cats. Can bring diseases in that humans can catch and the songbird population is endangered partly due to cats. For those that think you can’t keep a cat happy inside, I know better than that. Give them access to windows put a window feeder on a window with a 2-way film. Get them cat trees and shelves to walk up high on. Happy cats are ones that can be up high. Toys to keep them amused and play time with you every day. Doctors will tell you playing with your animal is great for your health. So don’t just bring them in and ignore them. Cats are not independent they need social interaction. 

Anytime a dog is outside of your yard put them on a leash. Always. Anything can happen so quickly. 

Let’s make this a safer year for our animals. Let’s not have the heartache of losing our animals this way especially since it is so much more preventable.