Solutions for the forlorned pet owner

Friday, April 7, 2000 | 9:58 a.m.

Lost pets

Dogs have a way of escaping even fortress-like back yards or squeezing out of car windows on road trips or getting lost in any number of ways. Cats too.

Thanks to the Internet and Dewey Animal Care Center, there's a quick way now to search for lost pets even after hours.

Dewey, where a lot of the area's lost pets end up, has added a search engine to its database that can be accessed by anyone, anytime. More than 350 animals are identified by breed, description and photograph.

Dewey officials say 85 percent of the lost animals brought into the shelter are never reunited with their owners. "The website is a tool that can greatly increase the odds of finding a lost animal," said Dr. Joe Freer, founder of the shelter and chief veterinarian at its clinic.

Also, the center, at 4800 W. Dewey Drive, has expanded its hours. The building lobby is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; the kennel is open those days from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The center is closed Sundays.

archive