Letter to the editor: Case prompts tips to help locate lost pets

Because of the lawsuit brought against the James River Humane Society concerning two kittens, I thought it may be helpful to give tips to help responsible pet owners locate lost pets.

I must disclose that I am the vice president of the JRHS. Also, I have vast experience in the pet world. I have been a pet groomer for more than 20 years, mostly in veterinary clinics. I have worked for a vet in the past, and have been active in different positions with the JRHS over the years.

License your pet if you live within city limits, and put an ID tag on your pet. These are the fastest ways to locate the owner.

However, pets lose collars and tags, so consider microchipping your pet (available through JRHS).

When you discover a pet is missing, the faster you start looking, the better your chances. Call animal control, sheriff and radio stations promptly. Search your neighborhood, and alert neighbors to be on the lookout for your pet. Have pictures with you to show and be able to give an accurate description of your pet.

Call veterinary clinics and pet groomers in your area. They get calls about found pets.

Call animal shelters and rescue organizations. Check their websites — these often have current photos.

Create posters and put them around town.

Place an ad in the newspaper, and check the newspaper regularly. Found animals are listed here, too.

Offer a reward. If there is any chance an animal may be yours, go see it. Not everyone has the same idea of what a brown dog or a long-haired cat is. If you are uncomfortable going to someone’s home, meet in public or bring a friend.

Here are some things that may help keep your pet closer to home:

Spay or neuter your pets; they will be less likely to roam. Fence in or tie up your pet. If you are outside city limits you aren’t required to, but you assume a greater risk of losing a pet.

There are many bad things that can happen to a roaming pet: being hit by a car, falling victim to a coyote or another pet. Some people shoot strange animals on their land.

If your pet ends up at the pound, and is not found or taken in by a shelter, it could be euthanized. They only get 72 hours.

Animal control and shelters try to save as many as possible, but there is only a limited amount of money, time and possible homes. We do what we can, and we do it well, not perfect, but well.

I hope this was informative. Remember your right should not be someone else’s responsibility.

Tags: opinion, letters, pets