LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas is currently facing an overwhelming situation with hundreds of lost pets being taken in within just one week. The shelter is urging pet owners to take necessary precautions to prevent their furry friends from getting lost and ending up in shelters.
According to Animal Foundation CEO Hilarie Grey, over 400 pets were brought to the shelter in a week, with more than half of them being strays. However, Grey emphasizes that most of these strays are actually lost pets who are usually found very close to their homes. In fact, studies show that most lost pets are discovered within a mile of their residences, with many found within 400 feet.
To help reunite lost pets with their owners, the Animal Foundation recommends steps such as searching the neighborhood, posting in online groups, scanning for a microchip, and fostering the pet if possible. These efforts can significantly reduce the number of pets ending up in shelters, where space is already limited.
One important preventive measure mentioned by Grey is microchipping pets, with the City of Las Vegas set to mandate microchipping for residents in August. To assist in locating lost pets, Grey suggests using the online tool Petco Love Lost, which utilizes AI technology to match lost and found pets in the area.
At the Animal Foundation, lost pets are held for three days to allow owners a chance to reclaim them before they are put up for adoption. With the increasing number of lost pets being brought in, taking proactive measures is crucial to ensure pets are safely reunited with their families.
