PORTLAND, Ore. – After 11 long days of searching, a Portland-area woman is back home with her cat thanks to a free national lost-and-found pet database powered by artificial intelligence.
A Missing Cat Named Louie
When Sharon Furze’s cat, Louie, disappeared, she feared the worst. For nearly two weeks she searched her neighborhood, posted on community boards, and worried about his safety. Like many pet owners, she considered Louie part of her family—and the thought of him lost or injured was devastating.
Her breakthrough came when she turned to Petco Love Lost, a nonprofit-run, free nationwide platform designed to reunite missing pets with their families.
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How the Database Works
Petco Love Lost uses AI photo-matching technology to scan images of missing and found animals. Pet owners upload a photo of their missing pet to the platform, which then compares it to photos of animals reported found in the area—whether by shelters, rescue organizations, or community members.
The tool works across the country, but it can be especially powerful at the neighborhood level, where lost pets often wander only a few blocks from home.
“This technology allows us to make those critical matches faster than ever,” said Abbie Moore, Chief Operating Officer of Petco Love. “It’s free, easy to use, and available to every pet parent in the U.S.”
A Good Samaritan Steps In
In Sharon’s case, after she uploaded Louie’s photo, a neighbor spotted the cat near her home. Thanks to the database and the neighbor’s willingness to help, Louie was quickly identified and reunited with his relieved owner.
Sharon described the experience as both heartwarming and reassuring. “I was amazed at how well the system worked,” she said. “Without it, I don’t know how long it would have taken to find Louie.”
A Resource for All Pet Owners
Petco Love encourages all pet parents to be proactive by registering their pets with Petco Love Lost before an emergency happens. That way, if a pet does go missing, their information and photos are already in the system, making matches quicker.
The nonprofit also partners with animal shelters, rescues, and veterinary clinics nationwide to ensure photos of stray or found animals are uploaded regularly, increasing the chances of reunification.
More Than Just Technology
While AI makes the matches, the success of the program also depends on community members who report found pets and take the time to care until an owner can be located.
“It’s really about people coming together to help animals,” Moore said. “Technology is the bridge, but compassion is what makes the reunions possible.”
Louie’s Happy Ending
For Sharon, the outcome was the best she could have hoped for. After 11 days of worry, Louie is safe at home—proof of how powerful a blend of technology and community action can be.
Pet owners can access the free database at petcolovelost.org to register their pets or report animals they’ve found.
