I found a dog and want to return it safely. Using the Lost Dogs of America website, what are the essential steps for verifying ownership with a microchip? Additionally, what key precautions should I take to avoid common lost pet scams, specifically those involving psychics or attempts to obtain personal information?
Navigate to the 'Articles' section of the website. Find information on verifying a dog's ownership using a microchip. Identify and note the essential steps for microchip verification. Navigate back to the 'Articles' section. Find information on lost pet scams. Identify the 'Psychics, Animal Communicators, and Dousers' scam and its characteristics. Locate and review the article 'Protecting Pet Owners: Keeping Control of Your Information and Outsmarting Scammers'. Identify precautions against scammers attempting to obtain personal information. Synthesize the microchip verification steps and scam prevention advice.
State that a key step for microchip verification is to get the pet scanned at a vet or animal shelter. State that another key step is to use an external lookup service like www.petmicrochiplookup.org to search for owner information. Identify 'Psychics, Animal Communicators, and Dousers' as a scam to avoid, noting they demand payment for vague information. Identify scams where individuals attempt to obtain personal information (e.g., phone numbers, email addresses) as another type to avoid, and emphasize the importance of controlling your information.