FREE Microchips Available: This Could Mean The Difference For You & Your Pet

Thanks to technology, a Microchip is the size of a grain of rice and administered under the skin between a pet’s shoulder blades. When a Chip is properly registered it contains the owner’s contact information. Should your pet become lost and taken to a vet’s office or shelter, a scanner is used to see if the animal has a chip and then the owner can be contacted. It is important to understand that a Microchip is not a tracking device. It is also imperative that if you move or change your phone number, that you update the contact information with the Microchip Company.

Microchipped pets are reunited with their owners frequently. In April 2019, a 2 1/2 year old German Shepherd named Cedar was reunited with her Southwest Ranches family after being stolen from her home at the age of four months. Found injured in a ditch by law enforcement in Colorado, Cedar was taken to a vet office where a Registered Chip was located by the scanner. She was flown home after she recovered.

Should your pet become lost, a Microchip could mean the difference between being reunited quickly or waiting for days, weeks or months in a shelter, rescue or someone’s home hoping you will find your lost pet. According to the AVMA – American Veterinary Medical Association’s website, “A study of more than 7,700 stray animals at animal shelters showed that dogs without Microchips were returned to their owners 21.9% of the time, whereas Microchipped dogs were returned to their owners 52.2% of the time. Cats without Microchips were reunited with their owners only 1.8% of the time, whereas Microchipped cats went back home 38.5% of the time. Lord et al, JAVMA, July 15, 2009” For Microchipped animals that weren't returned to their owners, most of the time it was due to incorrect owner information or no owner information in the Microchip Registry Database – so don't forget to register and keep your information updated.

Microchipping is crucial to your pet’s well-being. In addition, a collar and ID Tag are a visible sign of identification and should be kept on your pet at all times. That way, if your dog or cat wanders from home and is found, you can be reunited quickly.

The Humane Society of Broward County is a private, Non-Profit Organization that is not affiliated with any national or local group with a similar name. The shelter’s programs and services are made possible by the generosity of those that want to make a difference for animals and people. To learn more, view pets waiting to meet you, or to make a donation, visit: www.humanebroward.com Or call: (954) 989-3977. Extension#: 6.