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Tuesday, April 01, 2003
Ottawa – Lost Canadian pets now have a better chance of being reunited with their families thanks to the first national on-line lost and found service. Launched by the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, the North American Pet Identification and Recovery Service (NAPIRS) is the only national pet registry database in the country.Using PetLynxTM, a single, web-based utility, the NAPIRS gathers all of your pet's information – such as name, age, breed, physical descriptions or photos, addresses and identification devices like chips, tags or tattoos – in one place. Shelters or individuals from across the country who find lost animals can file a found pet report, or browse existing lost pet reports. If there is a match, the owner is notified their pet has been found. The animal lost and found process becomes completely automated, and the chances that lost pets be reunited with their families increase dramatically.
“Proper identification of companion animals is an important part of responsible pet ownership. Animals that aren't identified are one reason our shelters are overflowing with lost animals whose owners have never been found,” explains Bob Van Tongerloo, CEO of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies. “Canadians who register their companion animals with the Service will not only help protect their pet but will also help reduce the number of animals euthanized in shelters each year.”
The NAPIRS has been a success in Calgary – the first city in the country where it has been implemented. Already, 2,000 pet owners are registered in the system, and PetLynx reported that from November 2002 to January 2003 alone, more than 150 animals were reunited with their owners.
“The Service allows pet owners to file lost pet reports or look through the found reports at any time of the day or night. Pet owners feel that they can actually do something to help find their lost pet,” explains Calgary Humane Society worker Leah Spafford. “When we do find an animal, the system sends owners an instant notification, which reduces the amount of time their pet spends in the shelter.”
Canadians can register just about any companion animal – including guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, horses and of course, cats and dogs. Profits from the registration kits, available for $29.95 through local shelters, some pet store chains and veterinary offices, will benefit the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies. Those purchased through humane societies will benefit both the local shelter or rescue organization and the CFHS.
“PetLynx is easy to use, and is an affordable way for owners to protect their beloved animals,” said PetLynx CEO Larry Evans. “It offers a secure, confidential connection between owners, animal shelters, municipal animal services, and anyone else who should have your pet's vital information.”
The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies reminds Canadians that the proper registration and identification of their companion animals is an important part of responsible pet ownership. As the national voice on animal welfare issues, CFHS represents over 100 member societies and speaks collectively for more than 400,000 individuals. CFHS is a charitable organization committed to ending the suffering of animals by working with the public, government, industry, the scientific community, educators and the media on both the national and local levels toward this goal.
