Program reunites pets with families

Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler has implemented a new program to help owners reunite with their lost pets, the sheriff’s office announced Thursday.

The program comes as an effort to relieve overcrowding at the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter.

“It is my hope that we can reunite pets with their owners as soon as possible to help the animal shelter with their overcrowding issues as well as reducing the stress of families missing their pets,” Cutler said.

A special sign will be placed by sheriff’s office animal control officers at locations where an animal has been impounded that will let people in the area know that a dog or cat was picked up and where to call to retrieve their pet.

According to the sheriff’s office, animal control officers will make every attempt to locate the owner before transporting a pet to the animal shelter. For pets that have been microchipped, animal control officers are equipped with chip readers and are able to identify the owners of the animals to help ensure their return.

Cutler and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office is asking that Hays County residents consider adopting a dog or cat from the San Marcos Regional Shelter to help alleviate overcrowding. The shelter is located at 750 River Road. For more information on adopting an animal visit the shelter's website.