Why You Should Always Have A Recent Photo of Your Pet

PET CARE

Keep A Photo of Your Pet

4 min read
Jan 24, 2022

Those of us who have experienced the joy of owning a pet at one time or another, have probably made others sit through a viewing of our phone gallery of our precious furry friend's pictures and videos.

But did you know that you really might need that photo of your pet one day?  There are some instances when having a picture could change the outcome of a situation, so keep some current and clear quality pictures of your furry best friends on hand at all times.

Finding a Lost or Stolen Pet 

If you lose your pet, you can file a lost pet report with every shelter within a 60-mile radius of your home.  You should also contact local animal control agencies.  

Shelters and Animal Control want nothing more than to reunite a pet with its loving owner.

But be sure to consider the following:

  • Shelters receive thousands of animals each year
  • One person’s description of a Lab/Pitbull mix is going to be very different from another’s - especially if they are not familiar with dog or cat breeds.
  • While you might notice the little white mark below your black cat’s ear, chances are the busy shelter staff might not see how he looks so different from any of the 15 cats the shelter just took in over the past two weeks.
  • Specific descriptions are complicated to put into words over the phone or specifics may be interpreted differently depending on who is receiving the information. 
  • According to the Humane Society, your picture can be a lifesaver when it comes to reuniting you with your lost pet.  

If your pet is ever lost, it is also a good idea to visit the nearest shelters in person daily as new animals come into each shelter every day.

This way, you can leave a picture of your pet with the shelter staff, so they don’t risk accidentally misidentifying your pet.   

You can also check personally to be sure your pet has not been misidentified if turned in. As a pet parent, you know your pet the best.

If there is no shelter in your community, contact the local police department. Provide these agencies with an accurate description and a recent photograph of your pet.  

If your Pet was Stolen

Notify the police if you believe your pet was stolen

If your pet is lost, you can also go door-to-door, asking residents in your neighborhood if they’ve seen your pet.  

It is much easier for them to respond if you have a clear and recent photo to show them so they know what pet to be on the lookout for.

Apps for Lost Pets 

Apps like Finding Rover use facial recognition to reconnect lost and found pets with their owners.  You can easily download the app from the App Store or Google Play. You can register your pet, upload a photo of your pet, and then you will be notified if anyone in the Finding Rover community finds your pet.  

The app can also be used to connect potential adopters with pets in need of homes. 

Travel Supplies

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) suggests you prepare a kit with emergency supplies just in case you ever have to evacuate your home. 

Among the items, the organization recommends including are recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make “Lost” posters). 

The organization also recommends storing an emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible and being certain that all family members know where it is.  

To view a full list of items to include in your emergency kit, visit their website.

Remember, preparing for “possible” scenarios will give you peace of mind.  

Pet insurance also provides peace of mind. If your pet gets sick or injured, you don’t have to think twice about the financial aspect and you can focus on your pet’s care. 

Just for Fun 

For those who didn’t know this, you can label your pets by name, making their pictures easy to search for in your Google Photos album! 

No pet owner ever wants to have to make a “missing” poster or hand out pictures of their beloved fur-friend to police and animal shelters. But having recent photos of your furry friend will make this difficult time a lot smoother and allow you to have a better chance of finding your pet.

When your pet gets lose accidents and illnesses can happen - as you never know who or what your furry friend could get into without your supervision or protection.  That's why having an active pet insurance policy can be a good idea.

Protect your Pets

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Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.

1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.

2 Provided all terms of the policy are met. Application is subject to underwriting review and approval. Like most insurance policies, insurance policies issued by IAIC and MetGen contain certain deductibles, co-insurance, exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force. For costs, complete details of coverage and exclusions, and a listing of approved states, please contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC.