PetNet, a lost and found program, began operating in May 1988. It was a computerized trace and match system that enabled owners to find their lost pets more quickly and easily. The key to the new system was a well publicized central telephone number that could be called by citizens who had lost their pet or citizens who had found an animal that was obviously lost or stray. The concept for PetNet came about when Dallas businessman Frederick Brodsky decided to get involved. Brodsky turned to a friend, former co-worker and computer expert Don Eisan to design a computer system with multi-user capabilities and compatibility with other software programs already in existence. The goal was to be linked other shelters in the Dallas area. The main terminal was located at the SPCA of Texas with satellite terminals at many other locations. The cost of getting PetNet up and operating in the 22 area shelters in Dallas County was $200,000.

The Meadows Foundation offered up to $70,000 matching grant for PetNet. Donations were to be received on or before July 1, 1985. The challenge was met with major donations coming from the Dallas Foundation, the Charles Seay Foundation, the Hobitzelle Foundation, the Community Foundation of Texas, Mr. & Mrs. Russell Perry, Mrs. Alta Evans and Frederick Brodsky.

In the summer of 1990 it was discovered that other agencies were not using PetNet. They said that the lack of funds and time prohibited them from using the service. They were then asked to fax the description of found pets to the SPCA of Texas for input. Most did not have fax machines. All of the computer equipment was picked up from the remote locations and eleven telephone lines were disconnected in August 1990. PetNet, as it was originally intended, only lasted three years.  However the SPCA of Texas continued the program and in 1991 it assisted in reuniting 1,390 pets to their owners, an increase of 15% over 1990.  By 1992 the SPCA of Texas had changed from a full time PetNet operator to a lost and found voicemail system, which was known as the Lost and Found Hotline. 

In March 2004 the Lost and Found Hotline became a Lost and Found Email Hotline.  People would email lost and found pets, in return the SPCA of Texas would send an email to all contacts in the appropriate zip code.  Photos of lost and found pets would be attached to the emails if provided.  In September 2004 the Lost and Found Email Hotline was discontinued because of lack resources.

In October 2006 the SPCA of Texas came up with the Lost and Found E-Pole.  The E-Pole was an online lost and found page and anyone with internet access could post lost and found pets at no charge.  If a customer did not have internet access they could also have their pet posted by calling the Customer Care Center seven days a week from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. 

In the winter of 2007 the SPCA of Texas decided to go even further with the E-Pole.  DFW PetNet is now the program that you see today.  Helping lost and found pets through internet postings, emails to zip codes where the animal was found or lost, partnering with other organizations and municipalities to share data of “stray” animals coming into the shelters and working with Neighborhood Associations to ensure the word is spread around regarding a lost or found pet.  All this is done through the Community Relations Department.  This program is currently being funded by Robert L. “Skip” Trimble, Executive Vice President of Catlyn Capital Corporation.  His love and devotion for animals is well known by his family, friends and peers. 

The goal of DFW PetNet is to make a difference in pets’ and people’s lives by helping pets find their way home instead of ending up in shelters, or worse, living on the streets as strays.