FORT WAYNE, IN –Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control is participating in the national Return to Home Challenge the entire month of October in an effort to keep animals out of the shelter and in their homes.

One in three pets will become lost at some point in their life. So far this year 71 percent of lost dogs that have come into the shelter have been claimed by their owner, only 9 percent of lost cats have been returned home.

During the entire month of October, FWACC will be participating in the Return to Home Challenge hosted by national animal welfare agency, Maddie’s Fund. In an effort to help more animals find their way back home, Animal Control Officers will offer free microchipping and vaccines to animals they encounter in the community to help prevent animals coming into the shelter. To encourage more pet owners to claim their lost pets from the shelter the first-time redemption fee will be waived all month long.

If your pet is already microchipped, make sure all information linked to your pet’s chip is up-to-date so you can be contacted if your pet is lost. Learn more about updating your information here.

Losing a pet can be devastating. Not knowing what to do when your pet is lost can make the situation even more stressful. Being prepared and always having ID tags with current information and a permanent microchip are essential to being reunited with your pet. To see more tips on what to do if you LOSE a pet or FIND a lost pet click here.

Follow FWACC on Facebook for more tips on how to keep your pets safe and at home where they are loved.

Pet owners can contact Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control at 427-1244 option 1 with questions or visit fwacc.org.

To learn more about the Return To Home Challenge and Maddie’s Fund click here.