household pets

When Pets Go Missing

By Stacie Ball

Our pets are an important part of the family, so it’s understandable how devastating it can be if a pet goes missing. Jaclyn Goldsborough knows the feeling first-hand, as her dog, Napoleon, was lost not long ago. She and Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control (FWACC) have some great advice for what to do if you realize your pet is missing.

“It was so terrifying!” Goldsborough recalled. “We were working in our yard when we realized, too late, that the wind blew our gate open. Napoleon is a very social dog, so he strolled out of our fenced-in yard and walked a block away, where he was picked up by a friendly neighbor and taken to FWACC for safety. Since it was the weekend, FWACC had limited staff and were unable to provide some services.”

Realizing Napoleon was microchipped but did not have his collar on, Goldsborough leapt into action posting pictures on the Lost Dogs of Fort Wayne page. “I cannot thank the admins and followers enough,” she commended. “They were able to follow the FWACC page and realize there was a matching description of Napoleon. Then they used social media photos to post that he was found safely at the shelter, and my mind was finally at ease.” She also greatly appreciated FWACC for being very helpful, even though it was a very busy time. “Since Napoleon is old and on medication, they were able to release him within 24 hours of when he was dropped off at the shelter.”

FWACC strives to make sure lost pets are reunited with their owners. They recommend these actions if you have lost your pet.

File a Missing Pet Report

Complete this report in-person at 3020 Hillegas Road, on the telephone at 427-1244, or online at cityoffortwayne.org/lost-andfound-pets/i-ve-lost-a-pet.html. Describe your pet in as much detail as possible. Have a photo available and be sure to disclose whether the animal is microchipped and wearing identification tags.

Utilize Social Media and Photos Online

Lost Dogs of Fort Wayne and Lost Cats of Fort Wayne have been instrumental in reuniting many pets with their families. The FWACC website posts pictures of all dogs, cats, and small animals found and brought to the shelter. The photos include the date the animal entered the shelter and a short description.

Other Suggestions

“Since dogs and cats have an incredible sense of smell, put out their food and water bowl, their bed, and litter box (if you’re missing a cat),” FWACC suggested. Also, hang signs in your neighborhood with your pet’s photo and your contact information. Remember to bring your photo ID, proof of ownership like a pet photo or microchip verification, and a $15-$100 fee to pick up your pet from the shelter.

Most importantly FWACC said, “The best way to ensure your lost pet gets home to you is to keep its microchip information up-to-date.”

For more information on lost and found pets, visit Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control at cityoffortwayne.org/animal-care-and-control.html.