National chain Petco doesn\u2019t only sell supplies for four-legged companions. The organization created an independent nonprofit partner that develops and supports animal welfare programs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This includes Petco Love Lost \u2013 an artificial intelligence software that helps owners find their missing pets. Pinellas County Animal Services integrated the platform on its Found Center website page around two months ago.\u00a0<\/p>\n
People who find lost dogs and cats can upload pictures of the animals to the free service. Owners can do the same.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Individuals are encouraged to provide details about the pet including where it was lost or found and if it has any unique characteristics. These can include different colored eyes, extra toes or a specific mark or spot.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The software then scans the photo for the identifiers through data collected nationwide.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re always looking for more tools to put in our toolkit to help pets get home first and foremost,\u201d Pinellas County Animal Services director Jennifer Renner said. \u201cThe shelter is obviously a very stressful environment.\u201d<\/p>\n
The platform, she added, has already had a major impact.\u00a0<\/p>\n
According to statistics, the dog reunion rate has been around 40% in Pinellas County. Nationally, it is much lower. With the implementation of Petco Love Lost, the rate increased to 50%.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Renner said that the software constantly updates and cross references photos.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAs soon as our officers pick up a pet out in the field, they take a picture and upload it to our website. That\u2019s updated in real-time and goes right to the Petco Love Lost integration and starts looking for matches immediately,\u201d she explained. \u201cIf our officers get an alert, they can go ahead and reunite the pet with the family in the field before bringing it to the shelter.\u201d<\/p>\n
Renner compared the platform to a \u201cGoogle\u201d search for pets.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She said that it\u2019s important to include current pictures of the lost or found animals. Additionally, owners should ensure their companions have an up-to-date microchip with their address as well as a collar with identification.\u00a0<\/p>\n