Ft Wayne Times

Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control (FWACC) has issued a warning to pet owners regarding potential scammers. The first incident of this nature was reported in October 2023. According to FWACC, scammers are impersonating shelter employees and disguising their phone numbers as those of the shelter.

Individuals who have posted about their missing pets on various social media platforms such as Pawboost, Craigslist, and Nextdoor have been contacted by these scammers. The scammers claim that the missing pets need medical attention and demand payment for treatment.

FWACC clarified that it cannot treat personally owned pets for medical emergencies. The agency can only assist in transporting injured pets to private veterinarians or the Northeast Indiana Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital. FWACC emphasized that it would not request payment over the phone for medical services.

Pet owners are reminded to complete a lost report with FWACC if their pet is missing. Additionally, updating contact information with the microchip company is encouraged to facilitate the safe return of lost pets.

For questions regarding lost pets or the process of locating them, individuals are advised to visit FWACC's website at www.fwacc.org under "I’ve Lost a Pet" or call during phone hours from 9 am to 8 pm, Monday through Friday, at 260-427-1244 option 1.