ACPS Revamps Lost and Found Pet Section to Enhance Reunification Rates

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Animal Care & Protective Services (ACPS) is stepping up its game in the fight to reunite lost pets with their owners through a complete overhaul of its website’s lost and found section. This initiative was born from thoughtful conversations about how to improve pet reunification rates in the community, highlighting the organization’s commitment to animal welfare and community engagement.

New Features for Increased Visibility

One of the standout features of ACPS’s revised website is a dedicated section that allows residents to view both found and missing dogs and cats. This newly designed interface not only presents a comprehensive list of pets reported lost or found but also includes an interactive map showing the specific locations where these animals were last seen or found. This local focus aims to empower pet owners with essential information that can expedite the reunion process.

"Lost animals often don’t stray further than a few blocks from home, so narrowing the search area can be crucial for speedy reunions," ACPS stated in a recent social media post. This insight reiterates the importance of community awareness and proactive searches when pets go missing.

Comprehensive Shelter Information

In addition to the map and list features, the updated page also provides detailed information about every animal in the shelter’s care that was brought in as a stray. This includes specific details on when each animal was found. Such transparency allows pet owners a streamlined way to check for their missing companions, ultimately increasing the chances of prompting someone to recognize and reclaim their lost pet.

Leveraging Technology for Better Outcomes

To enhance its lost and found resources, ACPS has partnered with Petco Love Lost, a free and expansive national database dedicated to lost and found pets. This collaboration aims to consolidate information across multiple platforms, thus maximizing the reach for lost pet alerts. By registering pets in this database, families can ensure that their animals are easily identifiable, and up-to-date microchip information can aid in quick reunifications whether their pets are currently missing or safe at home.

Changes in Policy for More Efficient Reunification

The website revamp is only part of a larger strategy following a successful campaign by ACPS to lower the stray hold period for found pets from six days to five days. Initially, the proposal was for a three-day hold, but the idea faced pushback due to concerns over lowering reunification rates. After community meetings where various stakeholders voiced their opinions, the City Council ultimately decided on the five-day hold period, balancing the needs of pets with those of the community.

Addressing Communication Gaps

Community discussions have also uncovered potential shortcomings in ACPS’s communication channels. For instance, Council Member Raul Arias pointed out the lack of a dedicated phone line for the shelter. Currently, residents must contact a generic city number, which can result in unanswered queries about lost pets. Arias aims to advocate for budget allocations that would enable the establishment of dedicated staff to handle ACPS-related calls, thereby improving communication and response times for pet owners in distress.

Through these updates, ACPS is not just transforming its online presence but is taking concrete steps to enhance its capacity to reunite pets with their families. Each feature, policy change, and community engagement effort underscores a critical mission: every lost pet deserves the chance to find their way home. By leveraging technology, local insights, and community feedback, Jacksonville is working towards a future where fewer pets remain lost and more families are happily reunited.