High-tech twist on dog rescue
Anyone in Delaware County who finds a stray may be able to locate the owner via a Web site.
Delaware County is hoping that man will be a lost dog's best friend.
Such faith in humankind underpins a new Web site that allows anyone discovering a mislaid pet to try to instantly find the pooch's true master.
Of course, the human must first take the wayward dog home, go to the computer, punch in Fido's tag number, and then call the owner.
"We all know how devastating it is when our pets get lost," Delaware County Council Chairwoman Linda A. Cartisano said at a news conference yesterday.
The free system will only work for dogs whose owners have licensed their canines - as required by law - and it only applies to Delco dogs.
The program starts March 1, and a link will be located on the county Web site,
» READ MORE: www.co.delaware.pa.us
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"Return a Lost Dog" is the first no-fee county-run tracking service in Philadelphia's suburbs, Cartisano said.
Dogs with licenses, or renewed licenses, issued in 2008 and onward will be listed.
On the average, 150 dogs are turned in to the Delaware County SPCA each month. About 60 percent are reclaimed by their owners, and only a handful are wearing a current tag.
Until now, someone who found a tagged dog would have to call the county treasurer for the pet's contact information, or paw through SPCA lost-and-found reports.
On weekends and during non-business hours, dogs tend to just get dropped off at the SPCA, executive director Nicole Wilson said.
Owners picking up lost dogs at the SPCA then pay a reclaim fee - $25 for the first day, $10 for each following day.
Under the new system, there is no fee but the dog-finder must meet the lost dog's owner to complete the rescue, so to speak.
"I like the idea that somebody can return [my dog] quickly," Cartisano said. "I don't have to wait until the next morning to go to the SPCA to see if anyone's turned her in."
The program is also aimed at encouraging increased compliance with state dog licensing laws, Wilson said, which has been an uphill battle for the county.
The county's compliance rate for 2006 was estimated at 12 percent.
In 2007, the rate more than doubled to 25 percent, Cartisano said.
About 102,000 dogs live in Delaware County.
Yearly license fees are $8 per dog, $6 for neutered males or spayed females. Lifetime licenses cost $51, or $31 for spayed or neutered dogs. Dogs must have a microchip or tattoo to obtain a lifetime license.
Tags for 2008 were to be purchased by Jan. 1 in all four suburban counties; Philadelphia renewals are due in the month a dog was first licensed.
Dog owners can buy a license from the county treasurer or from 20 pet stores and veterinarians.
Dog licenses are required by state law, and the fine for having an unlicensed dog is $300.
Wilson also hopes the program will free up shelter space for stray dogs.
"Having pets reunited like this allows a cage to be open for that pet that is really awaiting a new home," Wilson said.
The SPCA offers animal control services in just a handful of county communities, so local municipalities are usually responsible for picking up strays.
As a Chihuahua named Louie squirmed in Cartisano's arms at the Delaware County courthouse, she said losing a pet is a problem to which she can relate.
"I have a dog, and I know how easy it is for her to dash out the door," Cartisano said. "It's great to know that when someone finds my dog, they can call me right away."
Pet owners must supply the dog collar.