AutoMatch Methodology Explained

After placing a lost cat report on PetLynx, one confused cat owner emailed to ask why she was getting potential 'matches' for cats that were tabby or black and white... when the photo of her cat clearly showed it was a Siamese.

Here is why:
Potential matches that may appear to be 'mistakes' are provided because the PetLynx AutoMatch™ system takes into account the fact that not all members of the public describe a lost/found animal the same way.

We don't want to miss a chance at getting a lost pet HomeSafe™ simply because the 'finder' can't tell a tabby from a Siamese! So, all potential matches are provided, taking into account a variety of factors, such as sex, coat length, etc.

AutoMatch™ is a service exclusive to the PetLynx system that can search for matches for a pet using either an identifier such as a tattoo, microchip or PetLynx visual tag, and/or based on only a physical description of the animal using a PetLynx technology called DataSketch™. The AutoMatch™ system then serves up all potential matches and notifies both parties involved. The parties can then retrieve the matches and physically follow up to see if it is the correct pet.

AutoMatch™ is unique because:

1. The system makes matches based on identifiers such as microchip and tattoos. Our system is not proprietary to any microchip manufacturer, so all microchip types are accepted.
2. AutoMatch can also make matches on a pet based on only a physical description, using our unique DataSketch™ technology.
3. Unlike other systems, AutoMatch™ is an automatic system so there is no need to manually search through reports.
4. AutoMatch™ sends out possible matches to other animals that are similar to your description -- no other pet lost and found search engine does this!

The pet family is ultimately responsible for managing their information, however, the system allows for the finder to engage themselves as well if they choose to.

10 Most Common Pet Poisons of 2009

Many common household goods that we take for granted as harmless can poison our pets.

In 2009, the American SPCA Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, IL, handled more than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic household substances, including insecticides, cleaning supplies and prescription medications.

To help you keep your pet safe in 2010, ASPCA has created a list of the 10 common poisons that most affected our furry friends last year. Here’s a sneak peek at their advice:

• Top dishonors—once again—go to human medications, which accounted for the most calls to the ASPCA’s 24-hour poison control hotline in 2009. Pets often snatch pill vials from counters and nightstands or gobble up meds accidentally dropped on the floor. Remember to keep all medications, including pain remedies, antidepressants and decongestants, in a cabinet far away from prying paws.

• Cats and dogs are often the unwitting victims of our efforts to battle flea infestations. The misapplication of spot-on flea and tick products can be especially problematic for our feline friends. Talk to your vet about choosing the right, species-specific flea treatment for your pet and never use products made for dogs on cats, and vice versa.

• Some of the most delicious people food—including citrus, avocado and raisins—can be poisonous to pets. Chocolate ingestion accounted for nearly half of all people food-related cases in 2009, so be sure to keep cocoa hidden from your resourceful cat or dog.

• Household plants may keep your house green and your air clean, but some can cause serious gastrointestinal problems for companion animals who nibble on them. Check out the ASPCA's toxic plant list before your next visit to the nursery.

As always, if you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your vet or the ASPCA’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.

Accolades from Pet Families

We've got mail!

We love to get the great news that PetLynx has played a role in helping lost pets get HomeSafe! Here are a few excerpts from emails we have received from grateful pet families:

"I am absolutely elated to tell you that Semico has been found! We received a call from Canadian Tire to inform us that he was in their parking lot. It is so nice to have him at home again. We appreciate the help provided to us by PetLynx. Thank you again!"
Sincerely, Debbie KB.

"Thank you very much for your help in finding Blaze. People who had seen our posters spotted him and called us. THANK YOU for your help."

Natalie W.

"I put a lost ad for Max on Kijiji and had a response that directed me to the Humane Society. Unfortunately, our local Humane Society does not place impounded animals on their website so, when I registered him with PetLynx, an identical match came up confirming he was at the shelter. The poor guy spent Christmas in a kennel at the shelter, but he was warm and safe and he gained more Christmas weight than I did! Thank you so very much for your service."

Bonnie H.

Focus Group on Feline Behaviour

Friskies brand cat food finally answers an age-old question that many cat owners have: What does my cat do when I am not at home?


The pet food company recently announced the results of a first-of-its-kind "focus group" that reveal there's more to life than a cat nap for our feline friends! Friskies had 50 roving "repurrters" to go on the job to reveal the magical world of cats through examining their sensory experiences in their home environments.

In the cat "focus group," cats from across the United States wore tiny digital cat-cams that took pictures of their surroundings every 15 minutes. The resulting photographs uncovered where cats go, what they do, and specifically, what they experience when their owners aren't home.

Purina animal behavior scientist, Jill Villarreal, Ph.D., analyzed the photos to determine what they revealed about the playful days and sensory experiences of cats when they are home alone. "Many people under-estimate the richness and sensory stimulation the home environment provides for our cats," said. Dr. Villarreal. "The photos shed light on the home from the cat's point-of-view and, for the first time, we can better understand what gets our cats' attention and provides them with opportunities for play and adventure when we are away.

According to Dr. Villarreal, cats of all ages need play time to help maintain a healthy body weight and keep their minds active. Through their photos, they gave us a personal look at their social lives by stalking playmates and toys, climbing on structures and exploring their home.

Other key findings include:

• Several cats took pictures of computer and television screens. This is likely due to the cat's natural prey instinct to focus in on moving objects.
• The cats' photos revealed that screened-in porches are a rich oasis filled with sensory stimulation. This includes sights, sounds, textures, and smells with grassy patches and non-toxic plants that provide tactile (touch) and olfactory (smell) stimulation for the cats.
• The photos also showed that cats were greatly interested in water, be it in the sink, bathtub, or swimming pool. This may seem counter intuitive, as it is commonly believed that cats dislike water. However, these photos reveal that cats like water, but on their own terms.

View the full report in the Scratchington Post!