Southwest Association for Education in Biomedical Research - SwAEBR

How To Protect Your Pet

Some people may tell you that if your pet gets lost, it may end up being used as an animal research subject. Please read the facts so you will know how to correct this misinformation should you encounter it.

However, being lost on the streets is an emotional disaster for both you and your pet. There are several things you can do to prevent pet loss or to dramatically increase the chances of having a lost pet returned to you.

Here are some resources available to you:

• Missing Pet Network (MPN)  - A volunteer-staffed organization sponsored by the USDA Animal Care Office, that helps people find missing pet animals.
• MPN's Arizona Site  - Help find your missing pet in Arizona.
• MPN Resources for other states
• Sherlock Bones  - Company which will help you find your pet for a fee.

Pet Safety Tips

• Make sure your pet is licensed and has license tags, along with a tag with your name, address and phone number. Metal or plastic tags are preferable.
• Make sure the information is always current. Animal control authorities try to contact owners of licensed animals that are picked up, but their efforts are hindered if they don't have correct information.
• Talk to your veterinarian about additional forms of pet identification, such as tattooing or implantable microchips.
• Research national registration programs for various identification systems.
• Keep your animal on a leash outdoors or confined to your house and/or fenced yard. Make sure your fence is high enough to prevent a large dog from jumping over it. Always check that gates and doors are firmly closed. Check on your pet regularly, just as you would a child.
• Allowing pets to roam is by far the biggest cause of pets being lost, being picked up by a stranger (usually well intended), injured or run over.

Some links may be under construction

 

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Revised 08/11/04 gea