New mobile app could make finding lost pets easier
NAPA COUNTY, Calif. -- A new mobile app could make it easier to help lost pets come home.
Finding Rover is making it easier for anyone to identify a lost dog by using facial recognition technology. It automatically matches the lost dog's face to the one submitted by its owner.
"So we don't have do anything more than upload a photo in our shelter's software that synchs with Finding Rover," said Kristen Loomer of the Napa County Animal Shelter in California. "So, every dog that comes into our facility has a profile created."
The Napa County Animal Shelter is the first in Northern California to register its lost dogs.
Last year, the shelter took in 1,200 lost and stray dogs, but it only reunited half of those animals with their owners.
"If they're not in the neighborhood they were lost in, you're putting up flyers, but they might not be in the right area," said dog owner Angelina Alongi.
The success of finding lost dogs relies on the number of dogs registered in the international data base.
We couldn't find the owners of these dogs, because they aren't registered.
"I'm part of the dog community, so I would definitely spread the word and tell my friends," said Gary Williams, a dog owner.
No successful reunions at the animal shelter yet, but with enough collaboration, it's hoping to help bring more lost pets home.
