Arizona Humane Society warns animal owners about lost pet scam

PHOENIX — The Arizona Humane Society is warning pet owners about a scam affecting families who have lost and are searching for their pet.

According to the animal welfare organization, scammers are targeting missing pet owners after finding them online. They call the victims while impersonation AHS staff and say the pet has been found injured and requires medical treatment that needs to be paid for immediately.

“We understand how stressful and emotional it can be when a pet is missing, and it’s upsetting that anyone would take advantage of that vulnerable moment,” AHS spokesperson Kelsey Dickerson said in a press release. “Our goal is to ensure our community has accurate information and feels supported during these situations.”

How does Arizona Humane Society recommend handling lost pet scammers?

Pet owners should keep these three things in mind if they receive a call from somebody claiming to be with AHS:

• AHS never asks for payment over the phone in order to medically treat a lost pet.
• If the caller is demanding immediate payment, it is not AHS.
• AHS always provides an official Animal Identification number in any communication regarding a pet in its care.

The nonprofit recommended that individuals who receive a lost pet scam call contact local law enforcement.

AHS said that it does charge return-to-owner, boarding and veterinary care fees in-person when people come to pick up their lost pet. However, they noted that those expenses are only talked about at pick-up and never during an urgent phone call.

“When a lost pet comes into AHS’ care, we focus on keeping them safe and comfortable until we can reunite them with their family,” Dickerson said.

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