Sharing is caring!

What’s your Reaction?
+1
6
+1
10
+1
2
+1
0
+1
0
+1
1
+1
0

Yes, the future is here. Technology continues to take over all aspects of our lives. Some are ridiculous, proving that the human race may be getting a bit too lazy. But other times, technology is announced that is a massive game changer. That is what is happening with the newly launched tech introduced by Petco Love Lost. And they have tapped into the facial recognition software that has become popular in securing our phones.

Now, the Petco Love Lost facial recognition database is launching in the hopes of reuniting missing animals with their families.

Sadly, statistics regarding missing cats and dogs are shocking!

The American Humane Association estimates that 1 out of 3 pets become lost at some point in their lifetime and close to 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen in the US every single year and according to the Coalition for Reuniting Pets and Families, less than 23% of lost pets in the U.S. are reunited with their owners.

white vinyl backyard fence

That was simply unacceptable to the folks at the Petco Foundation. But they knew they had the reach to do something about it. So they formed Petco Love Lost and officially launched their innovative program with more than 1,000 animal welfare partners.

“Petco Love Lost can help millions of lost pets reunite with their families. Protecting those animals from suffering, returning joy to their owners. And preserving critical space and resources at shelters for other animals in need,” said Matt Bershadker, CEO of the ASPCA. “We are proud to support Petco Love on this remarkable and innovative project. [Which] can also play a key role in helping families and their pets find each other following major natural disasters and emergencies.”

So just how is the facial recognition software going to help?

Well, unfortunately many pets aren’t lost just running out the door’s of their home. And RARELY are they going to stay in the immediate area, scared and alone outdoors. There are pets that are lost during moves to another area. And there are pets that escape while on a family outing or trip.

When any of these happen, what can you do?

Frantic families try calling local shelters and vet offices. They post on social media asking for help, hoping their posts are seen by as many people as possible. They return to the area to search hopefully.

But now, the nation wide database that continues to grow each day can be tapped. Not only will the participating organizations in your area be searched. ALL can be checked in one easy place! No matter how far your animal may have travelled. Because there are dozens stories of pets being found HOURS away from their homes.

“The fact that 1 in 3 pets will go missing in their lifetime is simply too many and the only way to bring them home is by coming together on a single platform that connects shelters, pet parents and good neighbors together,” said Petco Love President, Susanne Kogut.

Petco Love Lost and their reach can help bridge the distance and bring these pets home as soon as possible.

How does it work though?

Well, you simply load a photo of your beloved animal into their database when they join your family. Perhaps at the same time you are updating and registering their microchip? *cough cough, suggestion!*

Rescues, shelters and vets can then upload a photo when they discover a lost animal. Then, should your pet escape or become lost, you update their profile or upload your photo. HOPEFULLY there is a quick match and the reunion can take place without wasted time.

For those animals that may not be lost, but are in need of saving, Petco Love Lost doesn’t stop at reunions.

They also work with fosters to help these animals stay out of shelters. And this is the best way to avoid being euthanized. Because it’s estimated that more than 60% of animals that end up in shelters will be put to sleep each year.

And that is unacceptable. For the animals who are terrified and suffering. For the families that are missing lost pets. And for those waiting to find the perfect companion. And for the overwhelming heartbreak for the rescue workers spending time trying to save these deserving souls.

If it only takes one photo to avoid these horrors for everyone involved, there is no excuse for those statistics to continue!

Please be sure to visit Petco Love Lost at https://petcolove.org to register or start your detective career by helping reunite lost animals!

REMEMBER: ADOPT, DON’T SHOP, MICROCHIP YOUR PETS & SPAY AND NEUTER!

Related Story: Lost Kitten Shocks Everyone When He’s Found Two Months Later 1,100 Miles From Home

What’s your Reaction?
+1
6
+1
10
+1
2
+1
0
+1
0
+1
1
+1
0

Sharing is caring!