Protecting your pets can be more difficult than protecting your children sometimes. While we take the usual precautions -- pet thieves aren't always given due consideration. You can't watch over your pets 24/7, but taking a few precautions will deter most pet thieves; and give you greater peace of mind if your pet is lost. Recently, I learned to what extent a pet thief will go.
While local ordinances and laws change state to state, there are a few things you will need to have regardless of where you live. I've listed some things I was required to have/do to identify my pet. It can make all the difference, greatly improving the odds of recovery:
*Pictures of pets: You should have a variety. Full body pictures of your pet with family members that are current, as well as pictures when you first got your pet. Any distinctive or identifying marks should be photographed.
*Paperwork: Any and all Registration, License, Veterinarian Records. Original Documents should be kept in a safe place. Keep a photocopy of all these records in a folder, make sure to photocopy the actual tags (rabies, id's and license) before placing on your pet's collar.
*Microchips: I strongly advise pet micro-chipping. While they don't offer 'tracking' of pets yet, they will identify your pet. Pet Doctors, Animal Treatment Center or other facilities that deal with animals; i.e., SPCA, ARF, City Pound scan incoming animals.
*Call local law enforcement at their regular phone (do not call 911) number. Request an 'Officer Assist Dispatch' providing your address with telephone contact. Response time will vary according to priority and availability of officers, so be patient. While some law enforcement will not make or take a 'police report', you are entitled to file an 'incident' report so that you have an official record on your missing pet.
*Make several hundred flyers with your pet's information, picture, and contact information. Distribute in high [walking] traffic areas. Ask neighbors to post them on trees or fences on their property (only). In most areas it is illegal to post them on city property. So make sure your flyers are posted on privately owned property only. Businesses are always willing to post your flyers too. Gas Stations, Grocery Stores, Quick Stops are great places to get exposure. Include local and surrounding Pet breeders, supply and feed stores, groomers and boarding facilities. Whomever has your pet will need to feed them and buy other care products.
*Maintain current listings of animal facilities: All animal facilities will accept and post your flyers or pictures in a prominent area as a courtesy. Having the fax numbers of these places will save time and increase the odds of getting your pet returned quickly. Many times your lost or stolen pet will be taken to a veterinarian outside your immediate area. So include all surrounding facilities.
*Contact: All local, surrounding area stray animal pickup facilities the day your pet is lost or stolen and maintain open communication every two to three days until your pet returns. And, as much as we might not wish this to be true, all 'dead animal' pickup facilities should be contacted regularly. In the unfortunate event your pet has been killed, you need to know this as well. While we might not like the idea of this scenario, it is a reality we must take into account.
*Offer a Reward: Money talks. Someone out there knows where your pet is and when there's a reward offered, those with information will come forward. Never state a dollar amount or post your personal information. Use a cell phone for a telephone contact number. List only the general area your pet is missing from such as neighborhood or intersection. Make sure to include breed, size, and weight on flyer.
*Post Lost Ads: Contact local newspapers and place ads in the Pet Lost and Found section. Most people who find pets will read local publications in search of owners.
On a final note -- make sure [once your pet has been returned] to contact those assisting in your search to thank them for their assistance and let them know your pet has been safely returned. I made sure I did!
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This article written and provided by: O'Della Wilson AKA Alhavakia, published author and freelance writer.I am of firm belief that words are one of the most powerful offerings we possess. Inspire others to aspire to greater things and anything becomes possible.
http://odellawilson.wordpress.com
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