 PACC data shows nearly twice the pets are reunited with PetcoLove Lost
PIMA COUNTY, Nov. 6, 2023 – After just six months, nearly twice the number of lost pets in Pima County are being reunited with their families, thanks to a free, national pet lost-and-found database called PetcoLove Lost.
In May 2023, Pima Animal Care Center transitioned to PetcoLove Lost, which uses facial recognition software to reunite pets with families. After six months of data collection, PACC leadership is celebrating the encouraging trends the data has shown.
PACC lost-and-found data comparing the past six months to the the same six months a year ago indicates:
- 2,252 reports have been filed using PetcoLove Lost, a 35% increase over PACC’s previous system; and
- 621 Tucson families have been reunited with their lost pets through PetcoLove Lost, a 47% increase over the previous year.
PetcoLove Lost allows the owner or finder of a lost pet to upload the pet’s photo into the free-to-use PetcoLove Lost system. The software will match the pet’s photograph with photos of lost or found pets from participating shelters and community members in the indicated area and provides a secure messaging center to connect without sharing personal information. The platform can be accessed at any time of the day, providing the potential for pets to be reunited within the community without any need to come to the shelter or take a pet to be scanned for a microchip.
The PetcoLove Lost software also gives pet owners access to pre-made flyers and allows them to easily post on social media about their lost and found pets to assist in sharing the word.
PACC’s Director of Animal Services, Monica Dangler, said that this data is encouraging, particularly when considering PACC’s current capacity crisis.
“We know our community wants to help Pima County pets, and we are excited to see our community embrace PetcoLove Lost so fully,” said Dangler. “We look forward to seeing more and more pets being reunited within the community.”
If members of the public have lost or found a pet, they can make a report on PetcoLove Lost. If the pet is at PACC, please come directly to the shelter to reclaim. In most cases, reclaims fees are waived, and free spay/neuter is available for pets.
For those interested in learning more about PetcoLove Lost, the Pima Alliance for Animal Welfare will be hosting its Fall Community Meeting Nov. 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, 5049 E. Broadway Blvd. PAAW will be hosting representatives from PetcoLove Lost to present the technology to local shelters, rescues, and the public. Interested parties can learn more and RSVP at the Community Foundation’s website.
Media Contact
Kayleigh Murdock
kayleigh.murdock@pima.gov
520-360-2645
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