Lost Pet Prevention
Here are a number of steps you can take to prevent your pet from getting lost.
License Your Pet
Dogs and cats with a current license tag attached to their collars are held at the Coastal Animal Services Authority shelter for 10 days. Unlicensed strays are held only 5 days. Owners are notified by telephone. Be sure to keep the Animal Services Department informed of any address or telephone number changes after you have applied for your pet’s license.
Identification Tag
Although many people are reluctant to assume a loose dog may be lost, a message such as "Help me, I’m lost," with your current phone number and/or address on a tag can be helpful. It encourages someone to contact you rather than letting your pet wander, become ill or injured, or get hit by a car.
Confinement
There is no better protection for your pet than a secure fenced yard or enclosed kennel area. Do not let your pet run loose. Loose animals can cause serious auto accidents, harass or kill other confined animals, damage property, and become neighborhood nuisances. It is also against the law (see San Clemente Municipal Code 6.08.020, Dogs on public property – Animals in proximity to residences, Dana Point Municipal Code 10.04.020 Dogs on Public Property).
Obedience
Many local organizations offer low-cost training classes. A well-trained pet can be a joy for you, family members, and neighbors.
Spay & Neuter
Decrease your animal’s urge to wander to find a mate. Spaying and neutering eliminates or reduces the attraction of male animals to the female.
