City partners with Petco and Paw Boost to enhance lost pet recovery efforts

A new initiative aimed at reuniting lost pets with their owners was unveiled during a recent San Bernardino County government meeting. Leslie, a key speaker, detailed the enhancements made to the lost and found pet program, emphasizing the integration of advanced technology to streamline the process.

The program now includes partnerships with platforms like Paw Boost and Petco Love Lost, which utilize facial recognition technology to match lost pets with those found. This means that when a pet is reported missing, owners can upload a photo, and the system will automatically check for matches in the shelter database. Leslie highlighted how this innovation significantly increases the chances of reuniting pets with their families.

In addition to these technological advancements, the program encourages community involvement through social media platforms such as Nextdoor and Ring. Leslie explained that residents can share posts about lost pets, making it easier for the community to assist in locating them. The initiative also aims to distribute flyers that can be generated and printed by pet owners to spread the word locally.

Another exciting development is the introduction of microchip scanners at local fire stations, made possible through a donation from the San Diego Humane Society. This will allow community members to have found pets scanned for microchips, facilitating a quicker reunion process. Leslie expressed optimism about launching this program in November, pending final approvals.

Overall, these changes are designed to empower the community and reduce the number of pets entering shelters by promoting proactive measures for pet recovery. The meeting underscored a commitment to enhancing public awareness and engagement in pet safety, with the hope of fostering a more connected and responsible community.