IACS begs the public for assistance in locating lost pets and offers advice on how to keep pets safe throughout the New Year's holiday season.
WTHR
INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — Fireworks will begin to light up the sky as the new year approaches. However, the large illumination displays have resulted in a surge in stray pets, prompting Indianapolis Animal Care Services to call for public assistance this weekend.
Staff at the IACS are now overwhelmed, so they're looking for public assistance in reuniting missing pets with their owners rather than turning them over to the shelter.
Unfortunately, IACS has stated that if they take in too many more stray animals, they will be obliged to put some of them down.
Here's what they recommend residents do to assist a missing pet in returning home:
Look for a tag and a collar. Some pet owners embroider their contact information into the collar.
Pets who have gone missing like to stay near to home. Indy Lost Pet Alert, NextDoor, your neighborhood social media organization, and your social media profiles should all have a photo of the animal and its location.
Take the animal to a veterinarian to be checked for a microchip. If a microchip is present, contact the owner. Hold on to the animal if there isn't one, and keep looking for its owner.
IACS also offered some advice on how to keep pets safe during the New Year's holiday:
Make sure the information on your pet's microchip is up to date. If you're unsure about the firm that installed your chip, ask your veterinarian for help.
If your pet isn't already microchipped, the shelter will do so for $10 with no appointment required. Owners should bring photo ID, pet photos/videos, and vet paperwork for each animal with them.
Use a Sharpie to write your contact information on your pet's collar (or another weatherproof marker).
Look for any holes in your fence. Check the strength of the closing mechanism on gates. Check all doors and windows to make sure animals can't get out.
Stay at home with your pets if at all feasible.
Starting tomorrow, the shelter will be closed until Friday. They reopen at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
