There is an email scam targeting people with Lost Pets!  One of the emails used is marcet culict <vaperpelesc@yahoo.com>. There could be others.

They will start by telling you they ‘found’ your pet, or it ‘came on their property’.They may tell you that they are from another country and working here in the U.S.They will do hours and days of negotiations with you but will ultimately refuse to show you the animal UNTIL you give them 1/2 of the reward, deposited either in a post office box, to a bank account or by wire transfer.

There have been two reports in the news of this happening to two people in the past two days that have posted “Lost” ads with Rewards.  The email was from the SAME person.

Do NOT believe them. If you give them the money you will just have lost money. They don’t have your pet.

Any person that really has your pet would gladly let you see them.Our suggestion when trying to find your lost pet or to find a found pet’s owner is to memorize a few distinguishing features on their body.  That can be a certain mark, a broken tooth or the color of their tags.  Then ask the person that claims the pet or claims to have the pet to tell you the answers to your questions.  Quiz them…be protective of your pets!

PLEASE BEWARE - Do NOT be scammed by someone who is trying to break your heart even further.

It’s happening all over the U.S. And stolen pets may be used in horrible, unimaginable ways. It’s even a “business!” You can protect your pets from theft by following a few simple rules:

     • NEVER leave your pet tied outside a store, even if you think you have your eye on then pet. It takes about ten seconds to grab a pet whose leash is tied to a pole or fence. (It’s also illegal to tie a pet on the public way.)

     • DO NOT leave your pet alone in your car, even if it is locked. Pets have disappeared from cars and never been seen again. (Air circulation and temperature are factors, too.)

     • DO NOT leave your pet alone in an unlocked back yard. Even if you have locks on your gate, it is still possible for someone to steal your pet – and it’s been done.

     • NEVER allow your pets (dogs or cats) to roam streets and alleys unattended. ALWAYS keep your pet on a leash in your hand in a public area – it’s the law. It’s too easy for someone to jump out of a car, grab your off-leash pet and drive off. Leashing your dog protects your dog, other people and dogs and lessens your liability in case of problems.

     • ALWAYS make sure that you leave your pet in the care of someone who is as careful about your pet’s welfare as you would be. Insist they abide by the above rules.

Always report pet theft to the police: call 311 to file a police report (or 911 if it’s in progress).

Pet owners have a very difficult time describing exactly how their pets look.  There is a big difference between an Australian Shepherd and an Australian Terrier, between brown and tan and between patches and brindle.

Now picture that difficulty when a pet is lost. 

Taking updated pictures of your pet should be as normal as taking pictures at your sister’s wedding.  If your pet is lost, these pictures can speed up the process by which you or someone else finds them.

Here are a few things you can do:

1.  During the first two years of your pet’s life, take a picture of them at least every two months.  This will take care of their change in growth and appearance.

2.  After the first two years, take their picture at least once a year. 

3.  Keep a picture of your pet both as a hard copy and as a digital copy on your computer.  Whether you own a digital camera or not, there are 24-hour photo locations that can take a role of film and turn it into a digital photo.

4.  Keep these photos in a safe place in your house or on your computer. 

5.  Know how to attach these photos to an email, a document or into a website like Lostandpound.com.

It is very important to keep a picture of your pet handy at all times.  If they are ever lost, it could be the difference that helps you reunite with your pet.

Lostandpound.com is one of the country’s fastest growing lost and found pet websites.  It allows people anywhere in the country to post information, descriptions and pictures of their lost or found pets.  Upon posting this information, an email alert, similar to an amber alert, is immediately sent out to these important organizations to help expedite the process through which a pet is reunited with its owner.  The service is completely free for people to use as well as for organizations to sign up to receive our email alerts.      

Volunteers must be pet lovers and preferably own at least one pet.  Perfect for a person with spare time or looking to help a GREAT CAUSE!  There will only be one Ambassador per state.

Please email us at info@lostandpound.com if you’re interested. 

Please spread the word about Lostandpound.com and let’s make a difference in the lives of our pets!

To start with, post a picture and description of your dog to www.lostandpound.com. Upon entering this information, a LOST PET ALERT is automatically sent to the Lost and Pound network. That’s really important because all sorts of organizations and people participate in the network. There are veterinarians, animal shelters, pet businesses, rescue groups, police stations, fire stations, media outlets, and people like you, who belong to the Lost and Pound network.

In addition to the automatic alert that gets emailed to thousands of organizations and people within the Lost and Pound network, you can also print a LOST DOG poster with the click of a button. Not only is www.lostandpound.com very easy to use but it is also FREE.

STEP 2 - Canvas the area and plaster LOST DOG posters

The next step is canvasing the area where they were last seen. When dogs get outside and they are fearful they can run quite a distance. Recruit your friends, family, and neighbors to post the LOST DOG poster and look for your pooch. Continue to widen the area - walk and drive day and night looking for your dog in the area you think he might be. Call him, bring his toy to squeak. Bring treats and an extra leash. Most likely a dog will be out early in the morning to afternoon and sleeping at night If you have another pet take them outside on a leash to entice the missing pet with their scent.

STEP 3 - Check with local shelters

Hundreds of shelters throughout the United States are part of the Lost and Pound network. You will need to personally check out the main shelters in your area because they are where strays are taken and some of them only give the strays 3-5 days to be claimed - if he was not microchipped they will not know he is owned. Shelters can consist of humane societies, animal care and control facilities, ASPCA facilities, welfare leagues or anti-cruelty societies.

For example, in Chicago, the three main shelters where you should immediately start your search are:

Animal Care and Control - 27th and Western - 312-744-5000

Animal Welfare League - Chicago Ridge - 773-667-0088

The Anti-Cruelty Society - Grand and LaSalle - 312-644-8338

STEP 4 - Be persistent

Don’t give up - some pets have been found after months of being lost!