There is a feeling of panic and a lurch of the heart when a beloved pet disappears. Checking shelters, putting up fliers, and going door to door is an all too familiar routine to many a pet owner. Since most households now include at least one pet, many neighborhoods have started pet associations to assist in reuniting lost pets with their owners.
Starting a Pet Registry
Starting a neighborhood pet registry is fairly simple, but does require planning and cooperation. First, establish an association just for this purpose. Find reliable, caring people to serve as members of the board. This does not necessarily have to be approved by an existing board, but it is certainly a good idea to run it by them. They have the power to put the word out and may help with meeting spaces or other needs.
Create a form for neighbors to complete which includes all of their contact information and pertinent information for the pet including a recent photo. Leave room for as much description of the animal as possible such as coat type, unusual markings, whether or not the animal has been spayed or neutered, eye color and collar type and color, ID tag info, etc. Photos are not usually returned, so make sure your form states this.
Set up a computer spreadsheet in a common format such as Excel. Complete the spreadsheet based on the information provided by pet owners. The spreadsheet should be set up so that searches and sorts are by pet type (cat, dog, bird, etc.), street name, pet breed, color, etc. All board members should have access to this file at all times. It will be helpful if a web site can also be established. Due to privacy issues, individual homeowners would not have access to the spreadsheet information, but can provide updates regarding their pets to a general E-mail address or by use of a fill-in form with photo upload capability. They will also be able to report a lost or found pet. Of course, a phone number must be available to homeowners so that a lost or found pet can be reported immediately.
Reporting and Micro-chipping
If an animal is lost or found in the neighborhood, the registry board will be contacted and a report made. The board will then search the registry to see if that animal is listed and contact the owner. Keep in mind that a pet registry association is not responsible for housing pets. Their sole mission is to reunite lost pets with their owners. It will be very important that all pet owners participate in order to accomplish this. Otherwise, the board may be forced to contact animal control if owners cannot be located.
Many animals are now micro-chipped by vets and shelters. This enables a pet owner to register the chip number associated with that animal on-line with the chip manufacturer. Chips are read by hand held scanners which most vet and shelter clinics have. This is the most expeditious way to find a pet owner. The chip must be registered in order for this to work. Pet registry associations should purchase at least one scanner if their budget allows. Some fund-raising may be in order.
Schedule and Hold Monthly Meetings
Monthly association meetings will be helpful in introducing new residents as well as allowing pet owners to ask questions, make suggestions and network. Perhaps invite a local animal expert, such as a veterinarian, zoologist, or rescue worker to speak. Of course, unless your board has a budget for this, these experts would have to be willing to participate gratis. Meet at a member's house or if your subdivision has a clubhouse or meeting space, find out if you can use it. Send out reminders, post signs at entrances, if allowed.
Make snacks and have a drawing for a door prize. It doesn't have to be something elaborate, just what the association's budget allows. Make handouts showing educational information such as preparing a pet first aid kit, summer safety for pets, and the like. Feature a pet of the month from the registry. There are a lot of ways to make this fun for all.
The Resistance
Be prepared for resistance from some. There will be pet owners who will feel that they are being “policed” or their privacy is being invaded. Assure them that the absolute goal of the registry is to reunite pets and owners. Being able to reunite a pet and owner almost instantly is far better than the alternative of the pet being picked up by animal control or running loose where it could be hit by a car or attacked by another animal. That alone, should encourage others to participate.
The Legal Stuff
Last, but not least, clear nearly every decision made regarding forms and privacy information with an attorney. Perhaps there is a homeowner willing to donate legal services, otherwise a budget will need to be established for this.
