April 15th – 23rd: National Pet ID Week
Island Animal Hospital promotes April 15th – 23rd: National Pet ID Week in Merritt Island, Viera, and Cocoa Beach.
According to the American Humane Association, it is estimated that over 10 million dogs and cats are either lost or stolen per year. The association also estimates that one in every three pets will become lost at some point during their life.
In preparation of National Pet ID Week, which takes place April 15th – 23rd, 2018, we feel it is important that we encourage pet owners to always have proper identification located on their pet. This includes having two forms of identification, such as a visible information tag and a non-visible pet microchip.
A study done by the ASPCA shows that although 88% of all pet owners think pet identification is important, only 33% of pet owners admit to having proper identification tools on their pet. This is a number that, when raised, could make a drastic difference in the total number of lost pets per year, who are reunited with their family.
Here are Some Quick Tips to Ensure Your Pet has Proper Identification:
Always ensure all identification information is up-to-date.
Although many pet owners today take advantage of pet-microchipping technology, many pet id’s go without a routine update. This can make for a hard time when an individual attempts to relocate a pet, especially if an owner has recently moved, changed telephone numbers, or has yet to change an existing owner’s contact information. Always ensure your pet’s identification is up-to-date for a quick reunion in the event your pet is lost. You can contact your local vet, like Island Animal Hospital in Merritt Island, Viera, or Cocoa Beach for a complimentary chip scan and assistance on updating this information.
*For more information about microchipping your pet at Island Animal Hospital, please contact us.
Always have a visible identification tag on your pet.
Pet Microchipping is an advanced way to relocate pets, but it is not always the most efficient. Many pet microchips rely on the pet being brought into a veterinarian’s office to scan and relocate. With a visible ID tag, a person who comes across your pet is more likely to reach out to you directly. Since a microchip is non-visible, many individuals may not realize there is a way to contact the pet’s owner. The time it takes for you to be reunited with your pet depends solely on when they first arrive at a veterinarian’s office after becoming lost.
When designing your visible ID, we recommend having your contact information on one side, and Island Animal Hospital’s phone number (or, your current vet) on the other side.
Lost Pet in Brevard County?
In Brevard County, pet-owners work together on social media every day to help animals find a home. Whether they are helping an individual find a lost pet, or finding an owner for a potential rescue, Brevard County citizens and organizations are taking the initiative to save animals each and every day.
Check Brevard Lost Pets: A Must – Follow Social Media Page and website for Brevard County Pet Owners.
Brevard Lost Pets is a Brevard County Community Organization which focuses on reuniting lost pets with their owners. With over 15,135 Facebook likes, Brevard Lost Pets has no trouble getting the word out when it comes to tracking down a pet.
Brevard Lost Pets not only helps owners find their pets using social media, they also offer a variety of resources for pet owners on their website including Flyer Templates, instructions on how to create the most effective posters, and more. Brevard Lost Pets never charges individuals for their services.
For more information on Brevard Lost Pets, we encourage you to visit their website at BrevardLostPets.com.
Check with the Brevard County Sheriffs Office and local Humane Society/Shelters. Shelters should be checked every 1-2 days.
Contact your local Sheriffs Office and Animal Shelters immediately if your pet is missing. You can check online listings but should also check the shelters in person. More information can be found here on the BCSO website.
Remember, if you’ve lost a pet you need to act quickly and don’t give up!