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Start a Sunbear Squad
Neighborhood Watch for Pets

The Sunbear Squad is a neighborhood program to help prevent pet problems, and just one person is needed to start one: YOU. Each month, check your route for threats to pets. It's that simple, once you get started. You can get a Sunbear Squad starter kit by completing this form (donation of $4.20 requested through PayPal).

Here's how:

Plan and Prepare

1. Draw a map of your neighborhood (or use one in your telephone book) and plan a route for you to follow. Remember to walk through alleys, too.
2. Mark your calendar with the date every month that you plan to do your Sunbear Squad route.
3. Keep a notebook and pen to record your observations during each route.
4. What are threats to pets? IMPORTANT: learn how to identify real problems. Visit the Learn about Animal Abuse page. It is extremely important that you be educated about what is a problem and what is not. (For example, many elderly dogs are thin, despite eating a lot of food.) Good judgment is essential!
5. Tell your local humane organization or animal shelter that you are the Sunbear Squad coordinator for your neighborhood. Give them your phone number and route. If the person you talk to doesn't know about the Sunbear Squad, supply this web site address: www.sunbearsquad.org/squad.shtml. You can print out this page and show it, too.
6. Inform your neighbors about your neighborhood watch for pet plans. Print out door hangers (pdf format). Fill the blanks with the important phone numbers in your community. Hang one on everyone's front door.
7. Print out a window sign (pdf format) and tape it to your front window, facing the street.

Your Monthly Route

1. Walk, bike, or slowly drive your route every month. WATCH and LISTEN for pets in distress. Bring your cell phone if you have one, and your notebook.
2. Talk to people on your route when you get a chance, and tell them about the Sunbear Squad.
3. Learn the names and locations of all pets in your neighborhood, if you can. Describe each pet in a special section of your notebook, and record owner information.
4. Pay special attention to people who are moving out of the neighborhood. Ask about their pet plans. Moving is a very risky time for pets. If your neighbor says, "My dog doesn't want to move, so he ran away," offer to look for him. He may be trapped in a shed or garage. This is a common occurance.
5. If you suspect a problem, take action. Call the authorities you trust to uphold compassionate animal welfare standards—even if you are not sure about the severity of the problem. The professionals will know if a real problem exists. You don't have to give your name, if you are concerned that the pet owner will get angry about the call.

Ongoing Needs

Ask your friends and family members to start a Sunbear Squad in their neighborhood. Tell them about your experiences, and how good you feel to be helping prevent pet abuse. Refer them to this web site, and offer to answer their questions any time.

If you have time, offer to be a neighborhood clearinghouse for pet care needs, when pet owners are on vacation or hospitalized. Recruit helpers.

Ask area television stations, radio stations, and newspapers to publish FREE Sunbear Squad public service advertising, available here. These media are required by law to give some free advertising space for non-profit purposes.

© 2005-2016 The Sunbear Squad; All rights reserved.

Watch Kit
Free Downloads

Download Sunbear Squad's Neighborhood Watch for Pets PDF files and print at home; just right-click on a link and select "Save Target As" to download any file. Order Sunbear Squad 2.25" or mini buttons from our online store (bulk orders available).

• Leader Sheet
• Window Sign
• Wallet Card, Rescue Sign
• Door Hangers (2 per sheet)
• Stationery

How to Answer Questions from Neighbors

You'll probably get some questions about your Neighborhood Watch for Pets. That's good. It's an opportunity to get people thinking about what they will do if they see a problem.

Here are some talking points:

• Say that it's nice to get out regularly for nice walks and greet everyone and their pets.
• Say that you are getting to know pets in the neighborhood, so that you can recognize dogs and cats that are strays.
• Say that you want help lost, sick, or injured pets because you are an animal-lover.
• You can give a copy of the Sunbear Squad home page or a filled out Wallet Card to your neighbor.
• Be positive and cheerful. Remember, questions can lead others to new thinking about how to respond to threat to pets themselves. Be an agent of change.