Why you shouldn’t trust social media when reporting lost pets

Often times people use social media in efforts to reunite a lost pet with their owner, and although their intentions are good, it’s not always the best idea.

Sometimes even landing the animal in the wrong hands.

So, if you ever find a lost animal or are looking for your pet, the first place to contact is the Humane Society of Yuma.

They’re the only authorized animal shelter in Yuma County, receiving nearly 8,000 lost cats and dogs annually.

The director of development at the Humane Society of Yuma, Lana Shapiro, suggests, ” Anybody who finds a lost [animal] bring them into the shelter as soon as they can. We have the means to scan for a microchip and hold the animal. We’ve got our policies and procedures in place to help us to make sure it’s going home with the right owners. ”

Shapiro said social media has limitations when trying to verify the actual owner of a pet.

However, the Humane Society requires documentation such as vaccination records, additional photos, and licensing to prove someone is the rightful owner.

In the state of Arizona, animals are considered personal property. Therefore, if someone falsely claims a lost pet, it could result in criminal charges.

The Humane Society of Yuma also posts all animals that are turned in to them on their website, which is another good resource for owners searching for their pets.