Villages residents own an estimated 100,000 dogs and cats.
Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County President Bill Gottschalk, like his fellow Villagers, loves animals, too.
As Humane Society president, at Tuesday’s meeting of the Villages Homeowners Association South Region, he reviewed ways Villagers’ lost pets can be located and returned to their owners.
Especially in Florida, extreme heat, predators and traffic can pose a danger for escaped pets. Most rescue animals are micro-chipped; AM640-WVLG broadcasts information about lost pets, and there is a section on Villages District government website (districtgov.org) with ongoing information about runaway dogs and cats as well. Now there’s a fourth alternative.
Gottschalk explained a new partnership between the VHA and the HSSPCA which promotes use of MobiPET, a new “photo Amber Alert-inspired” program for lost pets.
Pet owners can provide pet photos plus vital pet health data and owner contact information to a growing network of other pet owners, shelters and veterinarians within a 30-mile radius using Smart Phones. When a pet is missing, a simple text message alerts members in the network.
The basic program is free, and two levels of premium membership, available for a one-time $15 or $25 fee, provide enhanced services, and a source of funding for the VHA/HSSPCA.
For more information, visit www.mobiPET.agm.tw or contact [email protected].