“Have you seen my dog?” Plan ahead for a happy reunion

#BonnieHays

There are lots of ways a pet can get lost — a door or gate left open, a leash that slips out of your hand or carrier that doesn’t close properly, for example.

There are things you can do now to increase the chances of a happy reunion if you and your pet are ever separated.

• Make sure your dog or cat is wearing a collar that fits well, with an easy-to-read ID tag and your phone number embroidered directly onto the collar.
• Include more than one phone number on the ID tag. Do you have a roommate, friend or family member who can be your back-up if you can’t be reached?
• License your dog. This provides another form of identification and can help establish that you are the owner of the dog.
• Talk with your veterinarian about microchipping your pet if they aren’t already. Register the chip and update the information associated with it as needed. Call us at 503-846-7041 to add your pet’s microchip information to our records at Animal Services. If your animal can’t be microchipped, ask your veterinarian about other forms of permanent identification.
• Get to know your neighbors and let them know you have a pet. Those who live nearby may be the first people to spot your pet if it escapes from your yard or home.
• Take photos of your pet and update them regularly. Get full body shots, as well as clear photos of their face. Be sure to photograph any unique features or markings. Finally, take a photo of you and your pet together.

We hope you’ll never find yourself searching for your lost pet. But if you do, you’ll be glad you followed the steps above.

For more information, please visit www.WashingtonCountyPets.com. The Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter is located at 1901 SE 24th Ave, Hillsboro. If you have a question for the animal shelter, email Stacy_Beckley@washingtoncountyor.gov