With the pet industry reaching almost $62 billion per year, the love for furry family members is stronger than ever. There’s a good chance your community is full of both fur babies and pet lovers. According to Peeva:
- One out of three pets will become lost at some point in their life
- Every year, close to 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen in the U.S.
- Less than 23% of lost pets are reunited with their owners
Those are frightening statistics for pet owners. Here are some things your property management company can do to help increase the chance of lost pets in your neighborhood being reunited with their owners.
1). Remind Residents to Check ID Tags
According to the HuffPost, the best way to increase the odds of finding a lost pet is by ensuring they are microchipped and wearing identification collars. Be sure to put multiple phone numbers on the tag, including the owner’s cell phone number, a cell phone number of an emergency contact, the landline of the owner (if applicable), and the street address. Be sure all contact information is up-to-date and easy-to-read.
2). Encourage Residents to Post Bulletins
If a pet does get out, time is of the essence when finding them. If you utilize a community management tool like FRONTSTEPS, encourage residents to post to the digital bulletin board. Make sure they provide the following information when posting about lost pets:
- Pet’s name, breed, and unique markings to help with identification
- Address where the pet got loose
- Important tips about approaching the pet (make note if the dog is skittish, has a tendency to bit, etc.)
- Contact information for the owner if the pet is located
3). Have an Online Directory of Neighborhood Pets
One of the best ways to ensure pets are reunited with residents is to have an online directory of all dogs and cats in the neighborhood. FRONTSTEPS Secure has a built-in pet directory that allows owners to add, edit, and delete their pets. They can even add photos and notes about each pet, helping your team know how to approach the pet if it’s found.
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