“Pets offer an unconditional love that can be very helpful to people with depression… Taking care of a pet can help give you a sense of your own value and importance. It will remind you that you are capable — that you can do more than you might think. A little boost in attitude and outlook could mean a lot to someone who is feeling pretty hopeless. Looking for an alternative to giving up your companion animal will not only give you a mission, it will remind you of the kindness of other humans; something of which we all need to be reminded from time to time, but especially in cases of misfortune.”
~ Dr. Ian Cook, psychiatrist and director of the Depression Research and Clinic Program at UCLA
The latest statistics show that more than 66% of Americans own some sort of pet these days. To help shoulder the costs associated with pet ownership these days, we decided to gather the local resources available for pet lovers of all kinds: Links to local pet services, clubs/groups, stores & supplies, volunteer opportunities, and of course the Lost & Found.
We will try to keep the guide updated and relevant so check back often!
Lost your pet?
First: here are 10 steps to take if you’ve lost a pet:
- Stay Calm: As difficult as it may be, try to remain calm. Panicking can cloud your judgment and hinder your ability to think clearly.
- Search Nearby: Immediately search your home, yard, and surrounding areas. Pets sometimes hide in unexpected places.
- Notify Neighbors: Inform your neighbors about your lost pet. They can keep an eye out and may have seen or heard something.
- Check Shelters: Contact local animal shelters, pounds, and rescue organizations. Provide them with a description and photo of your pet.
- Post Flyers: Create and distribute flyers with your pet’s photo, description, and your contact information. Place them in prominent locations like community bulletin boards, pet stores, and veterinary clinics.
- Use Social Media (See list of local groups below): Share information about your lost pet on social media platforms. Join local community groups and pet-related pages where you can post details and reach a wider audience.
- Contact Veterinarians: Reach out to nearby veterinary clinics and hospitals. Pets with identification tags or microchips may be taken there if found.
- Search Online Databases: Utilize online resources such as pet finder websites and apps. Many platforms allow you to post information about your lost pet and search for listings of found animals.
- Offer Rewards: Consider offering a reward for the safe return of your pet. This can incentivize people to keep an eye out and report any sightings.
- Stay Persistent: Don’t give up hope. Keep searching, spreading the word, and following up on any leads or sightings. Persistence can lead to a happy reunion.
Remember, the sooner you act and the more proactive you are in your search efforts, the greater the likelihood of finding your lost pet.
Facebook Groups/Pages
Adopt the Featured Pet (pictured above) at Marion Animal Care and Control: https://www.facebook.com/MACC2008/
Grant County (Indiana) Lost & Found PETS: https://www.facebook.com/groups/275349855969213
Grant County missing pets: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1083968071738049
Marion & Gas City, Indiana Lost And Found Pets: https://www.facebook.com/groups/450793935101809
Lost And Found Animals In Grant County Indiana: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1769345229980686
LOST & FOUND PETS (MARION) GRANT COUNTY INDIANA & SURROUNDING AREAS: https://www.facebook.com/groups/462878367566101
Grant County Animal Lovers Support Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/382198212449109
Online Resources
City of Marion Animal Care & Control: https://cityofmarion.in.gov/government/departments/animal-care-control
Marion-Grant County humane Society: http://marionhumane.com/
PAWSS People/Animals Working Side by Side: https://pawssofgrantcounty.com
Pet Food Coupons
Dog Food Coupons: https://www.passionforsavings.com/categories/dog-food-coupons/
Purina Rebates/Coupons: https://www.purina.com/rebates
Chewy.com: https://www.chewy.com/b/food-332
Hill’s: https://www.hillspet.com/special-offers
Lozo Dog Food Coupons: https://lozo.com/grocery-coupons/dog-food-coupons
Petco Coupons: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/s/petco-coupons-promos
Cat Food Coupons: https://www.purina.com/friskies/products
Meow Mix Coupons: https://www.meowmix.com/cat-food/coupons
Need Help? How to Find Free Pet Food
If you’re in search of sources of free pet food, you’re not alone. Here’s a few resources that may be able to help:
- Some animal shelters maintain a pet food bank. When a distraught companion animal guardians visit the shelter with the intent to surrender their animal, instead of signing a surrender form they are given an application for food subsistence.
- Meals on Wheels found that pets are the only family that some seniors have and that some of their clients were sharing their meals with their pets when they couldn’t afford pet food. In 2006, Meals on Wheels started the We All Love Our Pets (WALOP) initiative. Not all local Meals on Wheels programs offer pet food, so check with your local program.
- The Humane Society of the United States maintains a list of national and local organizations that offer free pet food, low-cost spay/neuter services, and temporary foster care if you need help.
- Feeding Pets of the Homeless offers resources for finding both food and veterinary care. You can use their website to search for help in your area.
