Lost Cat Returned to Owner in Guelph

By-law change and DocuPet’s Lost Pet Service gets a licensed cat home safe!

On February 27th “Little Cat”, a licensed cat living in the City of Guelph, was reported lost by his owner Michelle on DocuPet’s Lost Pet System. The next day, news came through that Little Cat was found! While tired and hungry from his adventure, he was otherwise healthy and happy to be home.

Getting More Pets Home Safely!

The City of Guelph’s mandatory cat licensing by-law came into effect on January 1st, with the goal of reuniting more cats with their families. On average, shelters get twice as many cats as dogs, and a cat is 83% less likely to get back home than a dog, according to the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies. A major reason for this is that cat licensing is not mandatory in nearly as many municipalities as dog licensing is.

The DocuPet North American Pet Licensing Annual Research Report for 2018 found that an average established cat licensing program in North America results in 7% of a municipality’s cat population becoming licensed. In just two months an estimated 5.7% of the Guelph cat population is already licensed. This success was achieved by collaboration between the City, the Guelph Humane Society and DocuPet – the City’s official pet licensing partner.

Rewards For Pet Owners

Licensed pet owners in Guelph receive a $25.00 voucher for Ren’s Pets, over 30 exclusive discounts/deals and, most importantly, DocuPet’s Lost and Found Pet Services. Cat licences are between $18.75 and $25.00, a small price to pay for peace of mind, especially when the vouchers cover the fee!

Reporting a Lost Pet

Michelle is relieved to have licensed Little Cat! Her story is familiar: An outdoor cat who went out looking for a lady friend and got lost. Instead of searching the City, Michelle could call on the local Lost Pet Brigade by submitting a DocuPet Lost Pet Report. This report was submitted through the online licensing website, where she shared details about Little Cat, a recent photo, and how/when/where he was lost.

The report was then shared publicly on the guelph.docupet.com website and across Social Media. Most importantly, it was sent to DocuPet’s local “Pet Brigade”; a group of licensed pet owners who have asked to receive messages about lost pets in Guelph. Two of DocuPet’s locally hired Community Representatives also helped with the search.

The next day, a cat was found with Guelph DocuPet Tags and the lady who found him looked up the tag number on the Licensing Website and contacted Michelle! A Found Pet Notice was then sent to the Pet Brigade, prompting widespread celebration. Little Cat was picked up by his owners and has now visited the Vet to be neutered so he doesn’t go out searching for love again.

Michelle was astounded by how well the Lost Pet System worked, and also hopes that Little Cat’s story will help encourage others to license their pets.

“I absolutely adore the DocuPet system and am thrilled with the effectiveness. Having Little Cat licensed is the reason he was returned home safely.”

Michelle, cat’s owner

“We are thrilled to be able to share this positive story with the Guelph community and to have played a part in facilitating Michelle and Little Cat’s reunion. Returning lost pets home is our priority at DocuPet – our entire team becomes involved”

Savannah Vince
Manager of Municipal Relationships, DocuPet

Funds for Cat Welfare

Going above and beyond, the City of Guelph is dedicating $5.00 from every cat licence sold for a program that supports cat welfare. So far over $7,000.00 is reserved for this program.

As a pet owner living in the City of Guelph you must license your pet each year. DocuPet is Guelph’s official pet licensing partner. Our program offers benefits to Guelph pet owners including a $25.00 voucher for Ren’s Pets for every pet licensed with the city and over 30 local deals! We’re committed to providing pets with a safe and happy home – and it all starts with a licence!

DocuPet is expanding rapidly and we are already the official licensing partner in over 20 Towns and Cities. Check out our list and if your town isn’t listed then you can put in a request to have it added!