Halifax Humane Society Collaborates with UCF to Enhance Lost Pet Reunification Efforts

Halifax Humane Society Collaborates with UCF

In a meaningful effort to enhance lost pet reunification in Central Florida, Halifax Humane Society has forged a partnership with graduate students from the University of Central Florida's College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE). This initiative, announced on October 15, 2026, seeks to empower pet parents by promoting the use of Petco Love Lost, a free nationwide database that helps reunite lost pets with their families across the United States.

The collaborative endeavor seeks to develop a comprehensive plan involving various stakeholders including animal shelters, rescue organizations, city and county governments, and disaster responders. Despite the availability of the free tool, some communities in Volusia County have not fully utilized the cutting-edge technology that aids in the reunification of lost pets. By addressing these gaps, Halifax Humane Society aims to minimize pet homelessness and unnecessary euthanasia, ultimately saving local organizations and governments significant costs associated with housing lost animals.

As part of their project, UCF students will design a strategic outreach plan, establish key performance indicators to assess the effectiveness of the program, and create an actionable roadmap for Petco Love to implement in other communities across the nation. The platform employs artificial intelligence-driven photo-matching technology, which facilitates the identification and reunification of lost pets, fostering a swift return home for our furry companions.

Given that one in three pets goes missing during their lifetime—an astounding 10 million animals annually—the urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated. Sean Hawkins, CEO of Halifax Humane Society, expressed the emotional toll of pet loss, noting, "There’s nothing more heartbreaking for a pet parent than losing their beloved companion. By helping families sign up for Petco Love Lost before an emergency arises, we can significantly enhance the likelihood of a quick reunion."

Chelsea Staley, President of Petco Love, reinforced this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of keeping families and their pets together. "With 10 million reasons to act, our partnership with Halifax Humane Society embodies our commitment to innovation and compassion, ensuring pets remain where they belong—with their families."

Halifax Humane Society has identified lost pet prevention and reunification as pivotal in combating animal homelessness. The UCF collaboration aims to spur increased community involvement in the Petco Love Lost initiative through educational outreach, local engagements, and public campaigns. This hands-on experience will not only benefit the students but also help address a pressing challenge for pet owners across the region. The project aligns with UCF's Go For Launch campaign, which champions innovative solutions and experiential learning opportunities in Central Florida and beyond.

Andrew Sullivan, an assistant professor at UCF, highlighted the initiative's impact on community quality of life, stating, "This shows how public service can enhance local well-being. Our students will engage with residents, develop valuable community outreach skills, and create a significant difference for pets and families across Central Florida."

Pet parents interested in the initiative can register for free on the Petco Love Lost website, creating a profile that allows them to upload photos and vital details about their pets in anticipation of any potential separation.

About Halifax Humane Society

Since its inception in 1937, Halifax Humane Society has dedicated itself to preventing animal cruelty. Through various programs, the organization offers adoption services, veterinary care, and educational initiatives that strengthen the bond between pets and their families.

About Petco Love

Founded in 1999, Petco Love is a transformative nonprofit organization with a legacy of fostering community and enhancing the lives of pet families. By partnering with over 4,000 animal welfare organizations, it has invested more than $442 million into lifesaving efforts and adoption programs, successfully finding homes for over 7.2 million pets. The creation of Petco Love Lost stands as a testament to their commitment to innovation and the wellbeing of pets and their families.