The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) is announcing a major upgrade to the state’s lost and found pet reporting system through a new partnership with Petco Love Lost. This free, nationwide database, which uses AI photo-matching, will become Delaware's official platform to help lost pets return home quickly, marking a significant step forward as Delaware is the first state to adopt it statewide.
Delaware Adopts Petco Love Lost Statewide
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) has partnered with Petco Love Lost, making its free, nationwide database the state's official platform for lost and found pets. This partnership represents a significant advancement in reuniting lost pets with their families, with Delaware being the first state in the U.S. to implement this technology statewide. The move enhances and modernizes the existing statewide Lost and Found Pet Registry launched by Delaware Animal Services (DAS) in 2016.
Innovative AI Photo-Matching Technology
Petco Love Lost utilizes advanced AI photo-matching technology, allowing pet parents and finders to upload photos of lost or found pets. The system instantly searches for potential matches across thousands of animal shelters and communities, making the reunification process quicker and more efficient. This critical resource has already helped reunite over 250,000 lost pets with their families nationally, providing a powerful tool for pet owners in times of distress.
Expanding Reunification Efforts Beyond State Lines
The transition to Petco Love Lost supports Delaware’s existing lost and found requirements while significantly expanding the reach for pet reunification. With its extensive national database, the platform can help locate displaced pets that may cross county or state lines, particularly during natural disasters. This centralized system casts a wider net, offering pet parents a better chance of finding their lost companions, regardless of where they may end up.
Leadership Perspectives on the Partnership
Christina Motoyoshi, OAW executive director, highlighted that reuniting lost pets swiftly is paramount to animal welfare. She emphasized that this modernization provides shelters and residents with innovative tools to improve statewide reunification efforts. Chelsea Staley, Petco Love President, underscored the importance of the initiative, noting that approximately one in three pets goes missing annually. She expressed excitement that Delaware's commitment will lead to more families finding their pets quickly and keeping them out of shelters.
About the Delaware Office of Animal Welfare (OAW)
The Delaware Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) is dedicated to safeguarding the health, safety, and welfare of both animals and people across Delaware. Its comprehensive work encompasses enforcement of animal welfare laws, oversight of animal shelters, conducting public education programs, and providing various community-based animal services to ensure the well-being of the state's animal population.
About Petco Love
Petco Love is a impactful nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities and pet families. Since its inception in 1999, the organization has empowered over 4,000 animal welfare partners, investing nearly $441 million in initiatives like adoption and other lifesaving programs. Through these efforts and partnerships with Petco, Petco Love has facilitated the adoption of over 7.1 million pets, continuously innovating to create solutions like Petco Love Lost to reunite lost pets with their loved ones.
