A few tips to avoid being the owner of a

lost pet: 

1.ID is very important. If you can't afford to microchip or tattoo your pet, at least make sure his collar has your current phone number on it, either on a metal tag, or with marker in legible print.

Tina is just one of the many small dogs at our very full shelter

Honey was registered as a puppy, but we had nothing current to go by to find her owners. She was recently adopted after a VERY long stay at the shelter.

3. Take lots of pictures of your pet and store some on your computer, or on someone else's computer. If your pet goes missing, it is very simple to first email a picture to everyone you know in town, and then to missing pet sites. After that, you can make posters of your missing pet to help spread the word.

You can also email me at wheatamix@gmail.com and I will post your pet for you on our SPCA lost and found pages on energeticcity.ca as well as fsjnow.com. Put "Lost (or Found) Pet" in the subject line.

Colt the kitten loved to hang out with people, especially on their computers. He was also adopted.

4. Make sure your pet knows its boundaries. If you are a new dog owner, walk your dog on a leash around the perimeter of your neighbourhood for a few weeks before venturing off on other walks. He will become familiar with where home is. Don't let your dog wander loose. You can be fined if your dog is found at large or unlicensed.

Buddy and Lily are two gals that LOVE to be walked, but we are short dog walkers.

Buddy has been adopted, but Lily STILL awaits her forever home.

Would you like to help?

5.Check the perimeter of your yard and make sure that there are no holes or escape routes for your pet. Pets can make themselves pretty small and can jump and climb, too!

Remember that a big back yard is NOT a substitute for exercising your pet. Pets can become bored if left out in the yard or are tied up with nothing to do, and will seek adventure elsewhere.

Want your dog to be there when you get home? Tire him out BEFORE you leave for work in the morning. If you can't walk your dog in the mornings, consider hiring a dog walker, or getting a treadmill for morning exercise. Dogs need interaction with a "pack" and if their human pack leader will do nothing with them, they may seek out other company and excitement. 

Mojo (now adopted) and Lily (still available) burning off some energy.

6. Cat owners... letting your cat "out" to do his business wherever he wants just ticks off the neighbours. In several cities, even cats are not allowed to be running around loose. Consider taking your cat out for a walk on a leash! Exercise is good for both of you... and it's a lot safer for Fluffy to be under supervision. Loose cats are not noticed by people nearly as often as the loose dogs, so keep yours close to home, or your missing kitty may be on his own.

One of many cats that have been brought in to the shelter without any identification.

Remember... the SPCA is not just about prevention of cruelty to animals. It is also the lost and found headquarters for all of Fort St. John and surrounding area (including Taylor, Hudson's Hope.... and even way up the Alaska Highway!) 

Missing a pet? Found a pet? Call 250-785-SPCA.