Pinellas County Animal Services has adopted a new online tool that uses a photo registry to help find lost dogs and cats.
Every dog and cat that enters the county’s shelter will now be registered on Finding Rover, a web-based pet registry used in an increasing number of shelters nationwide.
Local pet-owners can also register their pet for free on www.FindingRover.com.
Users can search the shelter and surrounding areas on their smartphone or computer to find their missing pet, a neighbor’s missing pet, the family of a found pet, or search for adoptable pets.
In the event a pet goes missing, Finding Rover will match the user’s photo with photos of pets that have been reported missing.
If the lost pet is a possible match with a pet at Pinellas County Animal Services, the owner should come to the shelter to identify and reclaim their pet.
To register for free, visit www.FindingRover.com and:
• Upload your pet’s photo
• Enter a few details about your pet
• Enter your name, email address, and zip code
“When your pet goes missing, you’re searching for a member of your family. This new tool will help us reunite more lost pets quickly and it will offer peace of mind for those adopting a new furry friend at our shelter,” said Doug Brightwell, director of Pinellas County Animal Services.
In addition to helping lost pets find a home, Finding Rover also features dogs and cats that are available for adoption.
Pinellas County Animal Services is located at 12450 Ulmerton Road in Largo. Regular hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the adoption center closing at 5:30 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and services include adoptions. Rabies vaccinations are administered on Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. The facility is closed on all Pinellas County holidays.
For information on how to adopt, donate or volunteer, join Pinellas County Animal Services on Facebook. To learn more about the shelter, visit www.pinellascounty.org/animalservices or call (727) 582-2600.