And when to call for back-up!
It is instinctive for most animal lovers to want to rush forward to help a stray pet. Sometimes, however, catching and transporting stray pets should be left to your local humane society or animal services provider.
Whenever you see a stray dog or cat in your neighborhood, THINK SAFETY FIRST! Never put the safety of you, your family or your own pets in jeopardy.
• If the animal is showing ANY signs of aggression, leave it alone. If there is imminent danger to people -- especially children -- call '9-1-1.' In most cases, however, you should contact your municipal animal control centre.
• If you can safely transport it, a sick or injured stray should be taken to your local animal shelter or a veterinary clinic right away. (You will not have to pay for its care.)
• Leave a mother cat or dog with a litter, or an orphaned litter, alone! (Unless they are in immediate danger.) Call your humane society for advice before taking action.
• If you have been able to safely contain the animal, check for any form of identification - PetLynx tag, city license, tattoo, rabies tag, personalized identification tag, or microchip. Call these contact numbers and, if you have no luck finding the owner, register a 'Found' report on PetLynx and call area service providers right away.
• Before taking healthy strays to an animal shelter or vet clinic, do a search on PetLynx. There may already be a record of the lost pet and you may be matched with the owners right away, saving the animal a trip to the shelter.
• If someone claims to be the animal's owner, insist on identification and proof of ownership before releasing him or her.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Photo published and HomeSafe in an hour!
Bugsy, a seven-year old Wheaton-Schnauzer mix, went on the lam (without his collar and ID on) after someone accidentally left the front door open. His guardians searched the neighborhood until dark but couldn't find him.
"It was the eve of the first day of school," says Joann, "and instead of excitement and anticipation, my three daughters were inconsolable!"
"Fortunately, this was the first (and hopefully the last) time we have lost Bugsy," said Joann. "I was very impressed with how kind and concerned everyone was, and with the way Animal Services, the Humane Society and Petlynx work together to allow for such timely re-uniting of pets and their owners. It really works!
"Thanks again from our whole family, and as far as Bugsy is concerned, he is so grounded!"
Local Service Providers:
Calgary Humane Society
City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services
"It was the eve of the first day of school," says Joann, "and instead of excitement and anticipation, my three daughters were inconsolable!"
Joann called the City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services to report Bugsy missing and find out what to do. They took her information, and told her about the Calgary Humane Society website and Petlynx.
"The Petlynx website was great!" exclaimed Joann. "I especially liked the lost posters and the regular email updates when there are potential matches."
"The Petlynx website was great!" exclaimed Joann. "I especially liked the lost posters and the regular email updates when there are potential matches."
At 5 pm the next day Bugsy's picture appeared on the PetLynx website! The family raced down to Animal Services right away. The staff were amazed to see them, since his photo had only been published an hour earlier!
"Fortunately, this was the first (and hopefully the last) time we have lost Bugsy," said Joann. "I was very impressed with how kind and concerned everyone was, and with the way Animal Services, the Humane Society and Petlynx work together to allow for such timely re-uniting of pets and their owners. It really works!
"Thanks again from our whole family, and as far as Bugsy is concerned, he is so grounded!"
Local Service Providers:
Calgary Humane Society
City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Stray Mittens
We were very surprised when she didn't come home one night, but it was not until the next morning that we began a search. We started by speaking to everyone on our court, asking them to check their garages and sheds, just in case she slipped in there out of curiosity.
On the second day, we registered Mittens with PetLynx and visited our local animal control centre. We also posted a large colour picture of Mittens throughout the neighbourhood.
On the third day, we received our first possible match on PetLynx, but it didn't have a picture, so we went to the animal shelter to check but it was not her.
On the fourth day we received two possible matches with PetLynx, this time with pictures so that we didn't have to go to the shelter. We could see that it wasn't our Mittens. We put up more posters, this time putting them up farther from our home.
On the 6th day, a local teacher came to our house and told us that the students were saying that the stray cat on the playground matched the cat in the posters. We went to the school and it was Mittens!!
We don't know what happened to her, but feel that she is too old to be wandering now. She now has supervised outside time and we have peace of mind.
Susan M.
Hamilton, Ontario
Local Service Provider: City of Hamilton Animal Control
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thank YOU for thanking us!
One most rewarding aspects of working with PetLynxTM is knowing that our efforts are making a positive impact in the community as a whole and in the lives of individuals and families and their companion animals!
In cyberspace, PetLynx and the AutoMatchTM program are a powerful computer system that help get lost pets HomeSafeTM... but behind the scenes, PetLynx is powered by people who care passionately about companion animals.
We love it when you share your 'Lost and Found' success stories with us. Whether PetLynx played a role in the pet recovery or not, we view every happy homecoming as a triumph.
Here are a couple of our most recent accolades:
Our valued dog disappeared the day my daughter moved into Edmonton. Thanks to a wonderful person who noticed the shy dog hanging around their yard, our dog was taken into their home and cared for. Our vet was notified and contacted us. Thanks for your service. It kept our hopes alive. After four days my daughter is reunited with her dog.
Ray P.
I would like to thank this network as it has helped find our missing cat. It was great to be reunited with 'Boots'. So once again a BIG THANK YOU.
Karen W.
Keep those cyber cards and letters coming!
In cyberspace, PetLynx and the AutoMatchTM program are a powerful computer system that help get lost pets HomeSafeTM... but behind the scenes, PetLynx is powered by people who care passionately about companion animals.
We love it when you share your 'Lost and Found' success stories with us. Whether PetLynx played a role in the pet recovery or not, we view every happy homecoming as a triumph.
Here are a couple of our most recent accolades:
Our valued dog disappeared the day my daughter moved into Edmonton. Thanks to a wonderful person who noticed the shy dog hanging around their yard, our dog was taken into their home and cared for. Our vet was notified and contacted us. Thanks for your service. It kept our hopes alive. After four days my daughter is reunited with her dog.
Ray P.
I would like to thank this network as it has helped find our missing cat. It was great to be reunited with 'Boots'. So once again a BIG THANK YOU.
Karen W.
Keep those cyber cards and letters coming!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Raising Funds for Cancer Research
Petsecure pet health insurance has declared November as Pet Cancer Awareness Month. The goal of this initiative is to raise funds for cancer in pets and was pioneered five years ago in the USA by Veterinary Pet Insurance.
"In 2009, we've paid out nearly $1,300,000 towards claims for the cost of veterinary treatment and care due to pet cancer," says Randy Valpy, President & CEO of Petsecure pet health insurance. "Although cancer is the leading cause of death among older pets, 50% of pet cancer is curable. Our goal for this month is to raise money for researching cancer in dogs and cats across the country and to educate Canadian pet parents on how to prevent and treat a disease that affects 1 in 3 household pets."
By raising funds for cancer research, Petsecure hopes to decrease the sad pet stories they hear by helping to find a cure for this deadly disease. Petsecure is encouraging pet owners to help 'FURther the Fight' by becoming a fan of their Facebook page. For every new fan they receive in November PetSecure will donate $1.00 to the Ontario Veterinary College Pet Trust Fund.
"In 2009, we've paid out nearly $1,300,000 towards claims for the cost of veterinary treatment and care due to pet cancer," says Randy Valpy, President & CEO of Petsecure pet health insurance. "Although cancer is the leading cause of death among older pets, 50% of pet cancer is curable. Our goal for this month is to raise money for researching cancer in dogs and cats across the country and to educate Canadian pet parents on how to prevent and treat a disease that affects 1 in 3 household pets."
By raising funds for cancer research, Petsecure hopes to decrease the sad pet stories they hear by helping to find a cure for this deadly disease. Petsecure is encouraging pet owners to help 'FURther the Fight' by becoming a fan of their Facebook page. For every new fan they receive in November PetSecure will donate $1.00 to the Ontario Veterinary College Pet Trust Fund.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
H1N1 and Your Pet
There have been two confirmed reports of the H1N1 virus infecting a family pet. One was a ferret in Nova Scotia. The other was a cat in Iowa.
While there is no reason for panic, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)has published guidelines to help pet owners better understand the H1N1 virus and how to protect both people and companion animals.
The CVMA warns that H1N1 may be transmitted to ferrets, birds and pot-bellied pigs. It is believed that the possibility of transmission to dogs, cats, rodents and rabbits is low.
To reduce the risk of infecting pets with the flu, use the same precautions you do to prevent human-to-human transmission:
For more information, click here.
While there is no reason for panic, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)has published guidelines to help pet owners better understand the H1N1 virus and how to protect both people and companion animals.
The CVMA warns that H1N1 may be transmitted to ferrets, birds and pot-bellied pigs. It is believed that the possibility of transmission to dogs, cats, rodents and rabbits is low.
To reduce the risk of infecting pets with the flu, use the same precautions you do to prevent human-to-human transmission:
- Cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Limit contact when you are sick.
- Avoid touching your pet's face, as germs can be transmitted through mouth and nose.
- Not eating or drinking.
- Not playing/active as usual.
- Coughing, sneezing.
- Fever.
For more information, click here.
Cat Survives Two Mile Ride in Car Engine
A recent "good news" story captured the hearts of cat loving Americans.
TV viewers were mesmerized by the story of a cat from the Bronx, NY, who survived a two-mile drive through his northern NYC borough, while stuck inside the engine of an SUV. The stray was so severely wedged inside that the battery and other engine parts had to be removed in order to free him. Though the story has a happy ending, the incident points to a winter phenomenon that many felines do not survive.
During the winter, American SPCA experts explain, it’s common for outdoor cats to sleep under the hoods of cars for warmth and protection. Once the motor is started, however, the cat can be injured or killed by moving parts. One solution is for drivers to bang loudly on the vehicle hood before starting their car engines. This gives a sleeping cat the chance to escape or announce his presence by meowing or moving around.
Pet parents, be aware: there are many other dangers that our animal companions face during winter. Click the link for a list of essential cold weather tips to keep companion animals safe from winter threats.
TV viewers were mesmerized by the story of a cat from the Bronx, NY, who survived a two-mile drive through his northern NYC borough, while stuck inside the engine of an SUV. The stray was so severely wedged inside that the battery and other engine parts had to be removed in order to free him. Though the story has a happy ending, the incident points to a winter phenomenon that many felines do not survive.
During the winter, American SPCA experts explain, it’s common for outdoor cats to sleep under the hoods of cars for warmth and protection. Once the motor is started, however, the cat can be injured or killed by moving parts. One solution is for drivers to bang loudly on the vehicle hood before starting their car engines. This gives a sleeping cat the chance to escape or announce his presence by meowing or moving around.
Pet parents, be aware: there are many other dangers that our animal companions face during winter. Click the link for a list of essential cold weather tips to keep companion animals safe from winter threats.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Safe and Found in Regina
When Tyler saw a puppy narrowly miss being hit by a car, he pulled over, scooped it up and took it home.
"The puppy had a collar, but no tattoo or tag," explained Tyler. "He smelled like he'd just been bathed, so we knew he was being missed by someone."
Tyler and his family then drove around the neighborhood asking if anyone had lost a pup. They posted ads on UsedRegina.com and Kijiji. The next day they called the Regina Humane Society. They were directed to their website, to post a found report on PetLynx.
"I had never heard of PetLynx before," said Tyler, "but it looked like a great idea so we posted the information and my wife left to take the dog to the humane society. As soon as she walked out the door, I checked Petlynx again and, there was a match!"
Tyler immediately called the owner... then he called his wife to tell her to turn around and come home! The puppy's grateful owner had been 'matched' on PetLynx.
"I liked the ease of using PetLynx," said Tyler. "AutoMatch ™ is a WICKED idea! Thank you again for hosting such a great site!"
Tyler Regina, Saskatchewan
Local Service Provider: Regina Humane Society
"The puppy had a collar, but no tattoo or tag," explained Tyler. "He smelled like he'd just been bathed, so we knew he was being missed by someone."
Tyler and his family then drove around the neighborhood asking if anyone had lost a pup. They posted ads on UsedRegina.com and Kijiji. The next day they called the Regina Humane Society. They were directed to their website, to post a found report on PetLynx.
"I had never heard of PetLynx before," said Tyler, "but it looked like a great idea so we posted the information and my wife left to take the dog to the humane society. As soon as she walked out the door, I checked Petlynx again and, there was a match!"
Tyler immediately called the owner... then he called his wife to tell her to turn around and come home! The puppy's grateful owner had been 'matched' on PetLynx.
"I liked the ease of using PetLynx," said Tyler. "AutoMatch ™ is a WICKED idea! Thank you again for hosting such a great site!"
Tyler Regina, Saskatchewan
Local Service Provider: Regina Humane Society
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Helpful Hint for Missing Cats
When Goliath went missing, his guardian went to her local SPCA to search for her lost cat. One of the employees suggested something different that she could do, in addition to registering with PetLynx and all of the other steps she was taking to find him.
She suggested putting something familiar to the cat outside to help lure him home -- such as his scratching post, litter tray or favorite cat bed. This can be especially helpful for indoor cats, not familiar with the sights and smells of the great outdoors.
"I put Goliath's scratching post outside as soon as I got home from the SPCA," explained Peggy. "Twenty minutes later I went outside to call Goliath and shake his bag of treats and I heard a faint meow... and there he was! He was in the backyard, hiding on the lower apartment's porch. I was ECSTATIC to see my baby boy back home."
"Thank you to PetLynx, the SPCA and everyone else who was concerned and helping me find my cat"
Peggy
She suggested putting something familiar to the cat outside to help lure him home -- such as his scratching post, litter tray or favorite cat bed. This can be especially helpful for indoor cats, not familiar with the sights and smells of the great outdoors.
"I put Goliath's scratching post outside as soon as I got home from the SPCA," explained Peggy. "Twenty minutes later I went outside to call Goliath and shake his bag of treats and I heard a faint meow... and there he was! He was in the backyard, hiding on the lower apartment's porch. I was ECSTATIC to see my baby boy back home."
"Thank you to PetLynx, the SPCA and everyone else who was concerned and helping me find my cat"
Peggy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)