Editor, The Times:
What does one do to be reunited with your beloved family pet, when they go missing? There is help available, provided the pet owner is willing to be an active part of the process.
Here are some resources that pet owners can tap into to ensure the safe return of their pet.
• SPCA – 250-376-7722, is open from noon to 4 p.m., seven days a week. They have a lost and found list, and if you can provide a photo, it will help. If you plan to surrender your pet to the SPCA, be aware that there is a waiting list of up to 12 weeks for this, as well as a cost. For example, cats and kittens will cost $30 each, and dogs cost $50 each. As well, the risk for the pet is high. The pet must be “human” friendly, and if they are not – they will be put down.
• Kamloops Humane Society - 250-376-1366, email kamloopshumanesociety@gmail.com. They will take in your pet, including cats and kittens, provided that they are ‘friendly’. For low income people there is a program called the ‘big fix’ which has been around for 20 years. For a donation (whatever the owner can afford), they will spay or neuter cats, kittens and dogs. The society has foster homes provided there is an opening for the pet. They are also always happy to have a new foster home added to their list – perhaps you may be interested?
• Community notice boards and mailboxes – provide a photo of your pet along with a description and your contact info ... put all the info onto a sheet of paper, make some copies and get it up on all the community notice boards around town.
• Online – the internet is an excellent vehicle to post notices about lost or found pets. Remember to include a photo of the pet and your contact info. Remember to note tattoos, tags, microchips and dog collar info. Two good sites are: kijiji.ca and kamloops.craigslist.ca.
• North Thompson Times and other local newspapers – lost and found ads are free in both the Barriere Star/Journal and the Clearwater Times.
• Neighbours – remember to check with your neighbours if your pet is missing, and ask them to be on the lookout.
• Police – this is a good one if you think your pet may have been pet-napped.
• Argo Road Maintenance – 250-672-5599. Their drivers will keep an eye out for your pet if you call them and leave a message regarding your lost pet. Remember to give a good description of the pet, as well as your contact information.
• NL Radio – they have a pet hotline – 250-372-2292, or fax them, 250-372-2293.
• The Pound (Kamloops) - 250-828-3409. They are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Keep in mind, though, that they will only keep dogs for a maximum of seven days, after which they will be put up for adoption.
• Vet Clinics – there are several in the Kamloops area, Riverside 250-372-7781, Valleyview 250-374-5649, and the Central Animal Hospital 250-376-7208. Some have a lost and found book.
• Spay and Neuter Clinics (through the SPCA) - 250-376-6055, fax 250-376-6151 or email kamloopsclinic@spca.bc.ca. You can also go to their website spca.bc.ca/kamloopsclinic. They are a good resource if your pet had been a patient.
• Pet Find Registry – this is our very own local registry – 250-672-9222. Whether the pet is lost or found, give us a call. You, the owner, will be expected to make an effort, but we will help you get the word out.
Just believe, hope, have faith that you and your pet will both be reunited.
Joscelyn Shaw
Pet Find Registry
Barriere, B.C.