Over the months we have seen so many pets that are missing and lost. We are grateful that our Facebook page is a wonderful tool for getting the word out about these pets that have wandered off.
If you have a missing pet, giving us a photo, description, the street and town where the pet is from and also a contact phone number certainly helps us to get the word out to the 15,000-plus followers that we have at the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
We really appreciate all those folks who share our posts, and many times the missing pet is spotted or located within a short time.
It also helps to message the shelter if the wandering pet is safely returned home, so we can also get the good news out to everyone.
It helps to have a close-up photo of your pet available that shows any details that could help identify them. Take a variety of shots. These could be invaluable later if your pet is ever lost.
Common sense will tell you that you should never let your dog wander around the neighborhood. Please leash them at all times. One suggestion is to pet-proof your yard with fencing, and be sure to check your fence regularly for new escape routes.
If you have to transport your cat, always use a carrier. You should never take your cat to the vet or anywhere unless it is secured. Heaven forbid your kitty is frightened and bolts in an unfamiliar area. The same goes for dogs.
One very important thing is to have a current rabies and pet license tag on your pet at all times. And always keep a collar on your pet with a tag that includes your current phone number, including area code.
A huge part of being a responsible pet owner is to spay or neuter. Both females and males will be much less likely to wander if they are “fixed,” and an added benefit is that they will live a longer, healthier and happier life.
Lastly, talk to your veterinarian about a microchip implant. This is such a valuable tool in helping to identify a pet and being able to contact the owner. Here at the Central Aroostook Humane Society we are able to scan animals for this chip and can happily help to return those lost furry babies back to where they belong.
If you are looking for a new pet to add to your family, stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society or check us out on Facebook. We are located at 24 Cross St. in Presque Isle. Our hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and we are closed for lunch from 12 to 12:30.
Gloria J. Towle is the secretary and a member of the board for the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
