While a collar and identification tag are essential for your cat, microchip implants can help lost cats reunite with their owners. (Stock photo) |
From now until the end of March, any cat or other pet owner who purchases a clinic service, such as a spay or neuter surgery, at the Humane Society of Utah (HSU) can have their cat implanted with an identification microchip for just $15 instead of the normal $25 fee. The pet owner also will receive a free identification tag engraved with the pet’s name and the owner’s address.
HSU Clinic Director Pauline Edwards recommends microchips as an important investment for cat and other pet owners.
“If an animal becomes separated from his or her people — and this can happen to even the most conscientious caregivers — the presence of an ID chip in the pet can astronomically improve the chances for a happy reunion,” she said.
Edwards explained that the tiny microchip — about the size of a grain of rice — is implanted between the pet’s shoulder blades, just under the animal’s skin. Each chip contains a computer code that identifies the pet and its owner. When an animal enters an animal shelter, the staff uses a scanner to look for these unique codes and then uses the numbers to trace the cat or dog back to its owner.
Even though microchipping greatly increases the chances that a cat will be found if separated from its owner, it's not a guarantee because, on rare occasions, certain scanners do not recognize certain microchips. Efforts are being made to create universal scanners that will recognize all microchips. It's still important for cats to wear a collar and an identification tag, so it is obvious at-a-glance that the cat has a home.
No appointment is necessary to receive the special price for the cat microchip implants. The promotion is valid at the HSU clinic located at 4242 South 300 West in Murray, Utah. For more information, visit the HSU website.