GSPCA launches online form for lost pets

GSPCA manager Steve Byrne said the charity dealt with more than 1,000 lost, stray and missing animals every year and the online form would speed up the process for both staff and owners.

‘Staff can be on the phone for 20 minutes each time and this allows people to just add the information themselves, and add photos too so we can get it straight up on social media and on our lost animals page. The form can be used for anything from stick insects to hamsters and asks for all the details we need to help reunite your beloved pet as quickly as possible. And after you have completed the online form you will be taken to our lost and found advice page which has lots of helpful information.’

He said that the vast majority of animals and owners were eventually reunited. ‘With dogs its 100%, cats 95%, but it’s the small animals we tend to struggle with, we have a number of unclaimed rabbits, chickens and ferrets.

‘Thankfully, many are reunited very quickly but for those that aren’t it can be a stressful and upsetting time for the owners missing their pet.’

But it was not just small animals they were contacted about. Mr Byrne said that on average they were contacted once a week about lost horses, and farm livestock.

‘Animals can go missing at any time of the day or night. We, of course, hope you never need to use this form, but if your pet does go missing then hopefully this will help you and us get your pet home quickly.’

Mr Byrne said microchipping helped owners to be reunited with pets.

‘If your pet is chipped, it is also important that you keep your details up to date and if you need advice on this please ask your vet or ourselves,’ he said.

• The form can be found on the GSPCA’s lost and found advice page.