Partnership with Petco Love Lost Features Cutting Edge Tech
Thanks to a unique and historic partnership, the City of Amarillo (COA) Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW) is using the latest technology to bring lost pets home to their owners.
AAMW and Petco Love, a national nonprofit organization working to lead and inspire change for pets and animal welfare organizations across the country, have announced a partnership that uses an artificial intelligence (AI) database to reunite lost pets with their owners.
“We are excited to introduce this technology to our community,” said AAMW Director Victoria Medley. “Through this partnership, we, along with the community, will have the ability to reunite lost pets with their families more quickly while potentially reducing the number of animals entering our shelter.”
Here is how AI technology (which is available for free) will help pet owners:
- The database uses an AI-powered facial recognition platform using a photo and a profile. It integrates with the AAMW website and neighborhood apps, making it easier for the community to post lost or found pets.
- Pet owners can create a profile and upload a photo of their lost pet.
- AI scans for matches among found pets reported by community members, shelters and neighbors.
- Anyone who finds a pet can upload a photo and location to help connect the animal with its owner.
Features include a scrollable list of pets currently in AAMW’s care and an interactive map that displays lost and found reports, shelter pets and community posts from Neighbors and Nextdoor – all conveniently viewable on the AAMW website.
“AAMW works tirelessly for pets in our care and that includes helping lost pets get home and back to their families where they belong,” said AAMW Outreach Manager Katrena Volden. “There’s nothing more rewarding than reuniting families with their beloved pets. With Petco Love Lost, we’re confident it can lead to many more happy reunions.”
For information on lost and found pets and the Petco Love Lost app (including a related map), go to the AAMW website at: amw.amarillo.gov/shelter-services/lost-and-found/lost-and-found-tips