This week registration opened for the Return to Home Challenge. During October, participating organizations that handle lost/stray dogs and cats will take their efforts to get lost pets back home to the next level. Using simple practices such as microchipping, making information on lost pets easily accessible by the public, and educating the community's pet owners on what to do to ensure their pet has the best chance of getting home should they go missing. It's also about educating the community on how they can be part of the solution for any lost pets they find.  

The strategies can save time, money, and of course, lives, and there's $300,000 in grant money available to participating organizations.

Seventeen national organizations are sponsoring this challenge, including Best Friends. Registration closes on August 1st, so time is of the essence for you to sign up: https://www.maddiesfund.org/return-to-home-challenge-best-friends.htm

To talk more about the challenge and the strategies that can help you get more pets back home more quickly, we spoke with Gina Knepp, the national shelter engagement director for the Michelson Found Animals Foundation. 

Check out the website for The Best Friends Podcast: https://bestfriends.org/podcast