Face Recognition Technology Helps Tracks Lost Pets

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TEXAS — Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter has joined the ranks of shelters in using facial recognition technology to identify lost dogs and cats, officials announced Tuesday.

The regional shelter now offers the community an additional tool to help lost and adoptable dogs and cats find their forever home: Finding Rover. Users of Finding Rover can search the shelter and surrounding areas right from their smartphone or computer in efforts to find their missing pet, a neighbor’s missing pet, the family of a found pet or search for adoptable pets, officials said.

Every dog and cat that leaves Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, through a reunion or an adoption, can remain protected on Finding Rover when the owners of the animals register on Finding Rover with the same email address that the shelter has on file. Records will already be in the system on registered animals and should that dog or cat ever get lost, making identification that much easier, officials explained.

Registration of pets is free and simple. First, go to www.FindingRover.com and then:

1. Upload your pet’s photo.
2. Enter a few details about your pet.
3. Enter your name, email address and zip code.

That’s all there is to it, shelter officials said. Once pets are registered, officials added, they’re protected for life.

“Dogs and cats are beloved family members, and if he or she goes missing, it can be devastating to everyone involved, John Polimeno, CEO and founder of Finding Rover, said. "We want to do everything we can to safeguard our pets from being lost forever. Registering on Finding Rover is another step all pet-parents should take to further protect their furry family members.” —

When a community comes together on Finding Rover, more dogs and cats can find home. Because of that, shelter officials urge residents to help more pets find home by spreading the word on Finding Rover.

In addition to helping lost pets fine home, Finding Rover also features dogs and cats that are available for adoption. As a result, those looking for a pet can find them via Finding Rover! Found and adoptable pets can be found with just a click on the shelter's Finding Rover Facebook Widget and on our Website Widget.

Those wanting a pet, place more dogs and cats from the shelter or rescue quickly, and reunite more pets with their families can simply complete the on-line form atwww.FindingRover.com/partners.

Helpful links:

• Finding Rover is online at www.FindingRover.com
• Finding Rover is on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FindingRover/
• Finding Rover is on Twitter at https://twitter.com/findingrover

About Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter (provided text):

The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is a collaborative effort among Williamson County and the cities of Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and Hutto. It provides a safe environment for the lost, abandoned, and homeless animals of these jurisdictions. The shelter's vision is to save every healthy and behaviorally sound companion animal and to place each animal in a loving home.

Cat Adoptions

1855 SE Inner Loop

Georgetown, Texas 78626

Canine Corral (Dog Adoptions)

425 E. Morrow St.

Georgetown, TX 78626

(512) 943-3322

wcras@wilco.org

Open Monday - Friday from noon to 6 p.m.

Saturday – Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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