Throughout the month of March, LA Animal Services is participating in the No Place Like a Home Challenge with Maddie’s Fund®, which is all about helping lost pets get home without having to go into a shelter, and ways to keep pets from getting lost.
So, as we get ready to set our clocks to ‘Spring Forward’ this weekend for Daylight Savings Time, LA Animal Services wants to remind pet owners that it’s also a good time to ensure your pet’s microchip and licensing information is current and up-to-date. “No one wants to imagine their pet lost or missing,” said Brenda Barnette, LA Animal Services General Manager.
“This is why it’s so important to ensure your pet’s City license is current, and why we encourage pet owners to check the contact information on their furry family member’s microchip, especially if they have moved or changed their phone numbers, because having the correct contact information could make the difference in reuniting you with your best friend; and for lost pets, there’s really no place like home.”
Here are some simple ways to prevent your pet from getting lost:
Microchip your pet. Microchipping is permanent pet identification. The process is safe, simple, permanent, and designed to quickly identify lost pets and reunite them with their owners. The microchip, which is about the size of a grain of rice, is injected beneath the surface of the pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. The process is similar to a routine shot, takes only a few seconds and your pet will not react any more than to a vaccination. No anesthetic is required. If your pet is already microchipped, it’s a good idea to confirm that the microchip information is up to date, in case you've recently moved or have a new phone number.
Ensure your dog is wearing a current City dog license. If for any reason you and your pet are separated, a collar with a current license and/or ID tag on them as well as a microchip, which has your most up-to-date contact information, will help reunite you with your lost animal companion.
Spay or neuter your pet. Studies have shown that sterilized animals are less likely to roam or try and escape from your home or yard. LA Animal Services offers free Spay and Neuter Certificates/ Vouchers and discount Spay and Neuter Coupons online for Los Angeles City residents. Each household is eligible for discounts for up to three dogs and three cats per household. Community cats and stray dogs do not qualify for this program.
For more information about our spay/neuter program, as well as general benefits of spaying and neutering your pet, go to: laanimalservices.com/general-information/spay-neuter.
Keep pets safe when out and about. It’s our responsibility to keep our pets safe when outdoors, and having your pet on a leash at all times helps prevent pets from becoming distracted and running off.
In the City of Los Angeles, it’s also the law to keep pets on a leash when you’re out for a walk, hike, or run with your four legged friend. Staying safe at home. One of the best ways to keep your pets safe is to make sure they stay inside the safety of your home, either in a crate or room where there is nothing harmful for them to get to. If you do allow your pet outside, ensure that your gates or fence are securely closed.
As a reminder, per (LAMC 53.70) tying up your dog to any stationary object for more than three hours in a 24 hour period or denying them proper food, water and shelter for long periods of time is against the law and can be harmful to your pup’s life. For more information on how to keep your pets safe, visit laanimalservices.com.
To find out more about the No Place Like Home Challenge sponsored by Maddie's Fund, visit MaddiesFund.org.
