Lost pets can not tell anyone where they live.

Everyday should be Tag Day! If we could keep our own pets from getting lost, the shelters would not be so crowded and there would be room for the real homeless pets. Many area shelters do not take pets given up by their owners; however, county shelters have to take every animal in regardless of space. This means when the shelters are full, an animal must be adopted or euthanized to make room for each one coming in. One third of the dogs in the shelter are reclaimed by their owners. Less than 3% of cats are reclaimed. This all contributes to high euthanasia numbers.

The Animal Assistance League of Orange County has a Helpline at 714- 891-PETS to help reunite lost pets and their owners.

AALOC recommends an ID tag and license with 2 phone numbers on a not too tight, not too loose collar. Include a cell phone number since you won't be home answering your home telephone number if someone calls who has found your pet....you will be out looking for your lost pet and will be able to be reached by your cell number.

A microchip stays with the pet even if the collar comes off. All shelters should have a scanner to check for micro chips. Some people like tattoos for identification, just make sure that the shelter has the information enabling them to read the tattoo. Make sure that there are locks on your gates if your dogs are outdoors, and never allow your cats outside to roam. Small dogs and "escape artists" benefit from having secure screen doors that assist the pet owner with opening the door without letting the pet escape.

Watch for fence heights and remember that if you have a plantar, barbeque, piles of wood, trash cans, or furniture piled next to your wall, you have cut your fence height down to less than half, allowing the dog to jump on the object and then climb over the fence. Never tie a dog down to keep it from jumping. Safe and cheap alternatives are available, including lattice additions to the top of the fence, coyote rollers, invisible fencing, and keeping your pet inside.

IF YOUR PET IS LOST, CLICK HERE
IF YOU HAVE FOUND A LOST PET, CLICK HERE

Protect Your Animals on 4th of July - English
Protect Your Animals on 4th of July - Espanol

Remember neutered pets are less apt to stray!