Before you get your pet a micro-chip...
25 March 2004
by Anai Rhoads
AnaiRhoads.org - Generally veteranians include a pet identification chip during a spade or neuter operation
for an additional fee. The chip is designed to verify the owner by using a scanner. The
Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) does not think
this method alone is good enough for identifying a family pet. Not every animal shelter in
America has the appropriate scanners or are knowledgeable on the chip itself.
"All pets should have some form of identification on them. Ideally, they should wear a
collar and ID tag with current information that helps to easily facilitate the lost dog or
cat being quickly reunited with his family," said Martha Armstrong, HSUS senior vice
president for companion animals and equine protection. "Collars and ID tags can become lost
where microchips offer a permanent and additional means of identification. But we are
concerned that pet owners could have a false sense of security."
A new micro-chip maker has begun selling to approximately 440 veterinary clinics but has
been sluggish with notifying America's shelters, humane societies and veterinary hospitals
to ensure proper equipment is in place to handle the new chips.
"It is just common sense that all animal shelters be provided with the sufficient number of
scanners needed to read the chips being implanted in pets," said Armstrong. "Local shelter
personnel are already hard-pressed to meet the demands of animal care and control in their
communities."
Until this issue is resolved, it is highly suggested that the pet owner request more
information regarding the chip being used and if local shelters are equipped to handle the
brand.
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