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AI Is Helping to Find Lost Pets

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  April 30th, 2025

AI has been making waves in the pet space for a while now, with veterinarians and pet parents gaining access to a variety of tools that can help them better assess a pet’s pain, track their daily habits, and more. And now there’s a new AI tool that can help reunite lost pets with their families.

The Faces/Shutterstock

AI That Uses Facial Recognition to Help People Find Lost Pets


Love Lost is a national database operated by Petco Love, which is a nonprofit. It was launched in 2021, and has already helped 100,000 people find their lost companions. Over 3,000 animal shelters around the United States participate in it.


How does it work? It uses artificial intelligence and machine learning technology to analyze the photos of pets so they can hopefully be reunited with their families more quickly.


A System That’s Easy to Use  


The process is simple: you upload a photo of your lost pet to the database. Whoever finds your pet, whether it’s an individual, a rescuer, or a veterinarian, also uploads a photo of your pet to the database.


In addition to the uploaded photos, the site can pull information about lost pets from social media, so it’s a good idea to post about a missing pet on other platforms as well.


When the AI finds a match, you are alerted so you can see if it is indeed your pet, and then you can make plans to go get your furry friend and bring them home.  


How is this all possible? In total, up to 512 data points can be collected on each pet. The AI can pinpoint unique features that might not be all that obvious to people. For example, it may consider the length of a pet’s whiskers, if there are any markings on the pet’s face or body, if there’s a curve in their tail, and more. Plus, it can even be effective if a pet’s appearance has changed since they went missing.


While using Love Lost, you can communicate using their secure platform. Despite most people using it with good intentions, they do advise that you beware of scammers who want money in exchange for returning your pet.   


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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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At What Age Should I Start Socializing My Dog?

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5 of the Rarest Cat Breeds

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Calming Techniques for Over-Excited Dogs of All Ages

We’ve all been there – the whirlwind of paws, barks, and boundless energy. Having a dog in your life is an excellent source of joy and companionship, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming. While some may tell you that you need to let your dog be a dog and get over it, the truth is that too much of anything can be bad – including excitement.Whether you’re concerned about your dog’s excitement escalating into barrier frustration and reactivity or worried that their desire to jump up and greet you each time you come home could lead to them slipping past and running out onto the road, over-excitement can definitely create less than ideal and even dangerous situations.Your dedication to your dog’s well-being has you searching for solutions. I see you. After all, calm dogs experience less stress, which can help improve their physical and mental health.So, what are you waiting for? 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However, some common factors are regularly shared by the greater canine population, such as:The thrill of visitors arriving (or you returning home)Anticipation of walks and outingsExcitement surrounding mealtimesThese triggers can also be specific to a particular sense. For example, a dog who is excited by noises may start to freak out at the sound of a doorbell ringing or sirens wailing. Others may feel that excitement beginning to build at the very sight of a dog in the distance or the scent of their favorite human food cooking.Some dogs are even triggered by changes in their daily routine. Seeing you picking up your keys to leave the house on a Sunday when you usually stay home signals that something is different, and that can bring with it a lot of big emotions.Recognizing these triggers is the first step toward creating a calmer environment. 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Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies triggered by environmental factors such as pollen, mold, and dust mites. These allergies, also known as atopic dermatitis, often flare up during specific times of the year, causing discomfort and irritation. Recognizing the symptoms early can help pet owners manage their dog’s condition and improve their quality of life.Common Symptoms of Seasonal AllergiesSeasonal allergies primarily affect a dog’s skin, but they can also impact the respiratory system and digestive tract. Here are some key symptoms to watch for:Excessive Itching and Scratching: One of the most noticeable signs of allergies is persistent itching. Dogs may scratch, bite, or lick themselves, especially around their paws, ears, belly, and armpits.Red, Inflamed Skin: Allergic reactions can lead to skin irritation, causing redness, rashes, or hot spots that may worsen if left untreated.Ear Infections: Dogs with seasonal allergies are prone to ear infections, which present as head shaking, ear scratching, and a foul odor coming from the ears.Watery Eyes and Nasal Discharge: Allergies can cause runny eyes and sneezing, similar to hay fever in humans.Paw Chewing and Licking: Many allergic dogs obsessively chew or lick their paws, leading to irritation and even secondary infections.Hair Loss: Constant scratching and licking can result in thinning fur or bald patches, particularly in areas where the dog frequently rubs or bites.Respiratory Issues: Although less common, some dogs may develop coughing, wheezing, or labored breathing due to airborne allergens.Digestive Upset: While food allergies are more commonly linked to gastrointestinal issues, some dogs with seasonal allergies may experience occasional vomiting or diarrhea.When to See a VeterinarianIf your dog exhibits any of these symptoms for more than a few days, it’s important to consult a veterinarian. Allergies can often be mistaken for other conditions like fungal infections, parasites, or bacterial dermatitis. A vet can help determine whether seasonal allergies are the cause and recommend appropriate treatments.Managing Seasonal Allergies in DogsWhile seasonal allergies cannot be cured, they can be managed effectively with the right approach:

Are Some Toys Better For Senior Dogs? Yes!

(photo credit: Ryan Brix / shutterstock.com)When we think of aging pets, we envision dogs that have slowed down a little, love to nap and prefer to settle into a sunny spot over a vigorous walk. I admit that these days, my 13- and 15-year-old Schnoodles are less inclined to get excited when I pick up their leash than they were just a couple of years back. So, their outings are shorter and treats are doled out as a reward for making the effort when we return home.But there’s so much more to your pet’s aging than just a slower gait and desire to curl up and snooze away the afternoon. Vision starts to fade, hearing is not quite so acute and often, their teeth and gums begin to cause problems.That said, every so often we see the puppy come out when they get excited about something special – a high-value treat, another dog, your return from work, or a fun new toy that he can still enjoy despite his physical limitations. And those are the moments we want to continue creating by adapting their arsenal of playthings to meet their changing needs.

How to Set Up an Indoor Dog Potty Station

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Festive Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe During Holiday Gatherings

The holiday season is just around the corner, a time spent laughing and celebrating with the people we love most. While we're busy decorating our homes, baking holiday treats, and preparing for friends and family to arrive, it's important to remember that our furry friends are also part of the celebration. After all, nothing will put a damper on the festivities quite like a trip to the emergency vet! Luckily, there are steps you can take to create a holiday environment where you and your pets can both enjoy this joyous season to the fullest! In this guide, I will share some of the most common holiday hazards that can pose a threat to pets, such as toxic foods, dangerous decorations, and the added stress of social gatherings. Plus, I'll offer practical advice on pet-proofing your home, managing guest interactions, and creating a calming space for your pet. Common Holiday HazardsAs we deck the halls and prepare our mouth-watering festive feasts, we need to be mindful of the potential dangers facing our furry friends. From bright, tempting decorations to toxic holiday treats, even the most well-intentioned and responsible pet parents may face a holiday emergency.To help you avoid an unnecessary holiday disaster, here are a few common holiday hazards to be aware of:TinselA common holiday decoration, the bright shine and sparkle of tinsel screams Christmas. However, most pet parents aren’t aware of the risks of ingesting this festive garland. During the holiday season, tinsel is a common cause of bowel and intestinal obstructions, resulting in expensive vet bills, surgery, and even life-threatening emergencies.Holiday OrnamentsTinsel isn’t the only decoration posing a risk during this festive season. While many may look at a Christmas tree and see a collection of beautiful decorations, some pets see chew toys. Chewing and ingesting holiday ornaments can lead to choking, obstructions, or even death.A type of holiday ornament often seen on the tree of pet parents, salt dough ornaments are a hidden risk that you need to be aware of. The amount of salt in these ornaments can lead to dangerously high sodium levels in their blood, causing thirst, tremors, seizures, coma, or worse. If you choose to use this approach to make a cute paw print ornament to hang on the tree, make sure it is up and out of reach of your furry friends.Christmas LightsNot only do the glass bulbs themselves pose a risk to curious pets, but the electrical cords may also be tempting chew toys. Of course, chewing on any electrical cord can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation.When hanging Christmas lights in your home, tuck the cords away from your pet’s reach. If you have a dog or cat who tends to chew on things they shouldn’t, you may need to take extra precautions to keep them away from these risks. An exercise pen is a great way to set up a barrier around a Christmas tree, allowing you to enjoy the glow of the blinking lights while avoiding an emergency.Poinsettias and Other Holiday Plants While many pet parents are familiar with the toxic risk of poinsettias if a dog or cat were to ingest them, they aren’t the only toxic plants commonly associated with the holidays. Some other plants you should be aware of include: Holly MistletoeYew Lilies (Day, Tiger, Easter, Asiatic, Japanese Show)AmaryllisAnother plant-related risk to watch out for is the water under your Christmas tree. While keeping your tree watered is essential to keep it from drying out (creating a fire hazard), that same life-giving hydration is often a toxic mix. Christmas tree water may contain bacteria, mold, or pesticides. Not quite the refreshing drink your pet is looking for! Festive Snacks The holidays are often celebrated with good food – the center point of every festive gathering. But many of those holiday foods are also toxic to your pet(s). As you’re planning your holiday spread, watch out for these common toxic foods/ingredients: Chocolate Xylitol (artificial sweetener) Onions and garlic (in large doses)Macadamia nuts And more… This doesn’t mean you have to change your menu, but you do need to be careful when serving these dishes to your friends. Keep the serving dishes up and out of your pet’s reach and warn any guests about setting their plates down in your pet’s reach. In addition to the toxic risk these items may cause, there are other potential concerns surrounding holiday foods. High-fat foods like turkey can lead to pancreatitis. Meanwhile, foods with higher sugar content may trigger or worsen cases of diabetes and obesity. Alcohol Another common part of our festivities, most parties involve sharing a festive drink. From a glass of wine to your favorite eggnog (with a little bit of rum), there is nothing wrong with enjoying a little alcohol during the holidays – unless, of course, the one drinking it is your pet. Alcohol toxicity is surprisingly common among dogs or cats of any age. Why? These drinks often smell and even taste enticing, encouraging our pets to drink more than their fair share. But their small size means that they can’t handle nearly as much alcohol without trouble as we do. It doesn’t take much to make your pet feel sick or to create potential dangerous or even fatal side effects. Stress & Anxiety from Gatherings Your dog’s stress levels may not be considered a life-threatening hazard, but it can create an unpleasant or potentially dangerous situation if it isn’t properly addressed. In fact, stress & anxiety can cause health problems for your pet. When you take a pet who is used to their home environment being a calm, safe, and secure space and suddenly introduce a bunch of unknown people, excitement, noise, and activity, it may be too much for your pet. This doesn’t mean you can’t throw a holiday party – but you should take steps to manage the situation and set your pet up for success. This includes minimizing stress triggers, where possible.

Research Aims to Uncover the Effects of Small Pets on Human Well-Being

Many articles have been published about the benefits of pets on mental health and overall happiness, but they’re usually focused on the perks of sharing your home with a cat or dog. Well, the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) wants to change that. They announced a grant that will allow researchers at the University of Liverpool to look into the impacts of small animals as pets. Their goal is to find out if small pets have an effect on people’s well-being, too.

HotelPlanner Goes Pet-Friendly with Acquisition of PetsWelcome.com

Are you on the search for a pet-friendly hotel for your next getaway? If so, you’re in luck! The popular hotel booking platform HotelPlanner has made an exciting move into the pet travel space with their recent acquisition of PetsWelcome.com. PetsWelcome.com was first founded in 1997 by Chris Kingsley and Fred Grayson. As passionate pet parents, the two were dedicated to creating a safe space where travelers could find out about hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, inns, and other accommodations that not only were highly rated but also happily welcomed our furry travel companions. “This acquisition allows us to better serve the millions of pet owners who consider their pets part of the family and want them by their side during travel,” explained Bruce Rosenberg, Global President at HotelPlanner. “Together, we will build on the strong foundation that PetsWelcome.com has created and further expand our offerings for pet-friendly travel.” Like other hotel sites, you can search the directory on PetsWelcome.com for accommodations in a specific city or state. Interested in international travel? While the directory is primarily US-focused, it also includes pet-friendly businesses in Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. After searching your destination, you can narrow your options with pet-focused filters like pet type (cat or dog), pet weight limits, and pet fees. Going a step further in your planning, the website also lists other pet-friendly businesses, including: Restaurants & Cafes BarsDog Parks BeachesNational, State & Local Parks Wineries Pet Stores & RetailAre you looking for inspiration on where to go or when to travel? Why not consult their pet-friendly event directory to find out if there’s something interesting you would like to attend? The website is truly a “one-stop shop” for planning pet-friendly adventures. “PetsWelcome.com has set the standard for pet-friendly travel resources, and we’re excited to leverage their legacy in creating exceptional experiences for pet owners,” stated Joseph Blakeley, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at HotelPlanner. “This partnership reflects our shared vision of a world where pets are not just welcomed but celebrated in travel.” In the coming weeks and months, you can expect to see PetWelcome.com’s directory integrated into the HotelPlaner platform. The company assures travelers this will allow for a seamless booking experience for those planning a trip with their cat or dog and looking for the best pet-friendly hotel for their stay.This is just one of many exciting developments in the pet-friendly travel space. In November, Expedia Cruise of West Orlando and Cruise Tails announced their plans for the first pet-friendly cruise. They will welcome up to 250 dogs on their inaugural cruise. At the same time, ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft now offer pet rides, connecting pet parents with pet-friendly drivers. As a travel lover who enjoys nothing more than including my pets in my adventures, I’m excited to see where this shift in the travel industry will take us! Of course, it’s also going to depend on us… If you are traveling with your pet, do so responsibly. Always keep your pets under your control and clean up behind them. If businesses in the pet industry see responsible pet parents enjoying these opportunities, it will encourage them to continue expanding their offerings in the future. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Cat Dies from Bird Flu, Raw Pet Food Recalled

We previously told you about cats who died from bird flu after drinking raw milk that was infected with the virus. New reports state that another cat has died, this time after eating raw meat infected with H5 bird flu, prompting a pet food recall and causing more concern among pet parents.

A Blind Senior Doggo Saves a Shelter Volunteer From a Deadly Snake

Not all heroes wear capes, and that is particularly true for this one-of-a-kind hero dog. This senior doggo is more than deserving of that title as he valiantly saved a shelter volunteer from a dangerous encounter with a deadly snake. To make everything all the more amazing is the fact that the savior doggo is blind.Moogan, the hero dog in question, is blind due to a rare medical condition. He was walking one day with his caretaker, a shelter volunteer from Utah’s Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, named Dan Fishbein. Dan was there to make sure Moogan didn’t bump into obstacles. "He's so curious, still smelling the flowers, feeling out his surroundings," he said for Newsweek. "I'm always on the lookout to make sure he doesn't barrel into anything."Being so focused on the obstacles in Moogan’s path, Dan Fishbein failed to notice a major threat – a rattlesnake that lay directly in his path. But Moogan’s sharp senses at once went into action and the dog pivoted sharply and directed Dan’s attention downwards, straight to the snake he was about to step on. "Moogan turned to the right, so I looked down, and there it was," Fishbein said. "A rattlesnake, coiled right next to my foot. I gently pulled him away, thanking him. Who would have thought my blind companion would be the one to save me?"

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