Local Vet to Provide Free Microchipping
By Dennis Rahm, Photo Provided by Lake Chelan Veterinary Hospital
One of the best ways for pet owners to help protect their animals is ensure that their dog or cat has the added security of being microchipped. Just in time for the holidays, Lake Chelan Veterinary Hospital is providing a free microchip clinic on Friday, December 13 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Space is limited and it is strongly recommended that appointments be made as soon as possible.
Veterinarian Dr. Mark Shelton says the Christmas gift to area pets was the idea of his wife Tori, noting “she’s the pixie dust of this business”. Shelton explains that while his office is providing the microchip service at no charge, there is a $20 fee to register your pet with Home Again Microchips. Shelton says the procedure is easy and quick and compares it to having a pet vaccinated.
Radio Frequency Identification implants serve as a permanent identification and significantly increase the odds of a lost pet being returned to its owner. “Everyone wants to be home for the holidays, but what if your furry family member wanders off? Will they be able to find their way home? Chances are so much better if they have a microchip,” said Shelton. The staff at Lake Chelan Veterinary Hospital is donating their time and services and as Dr. Shelton notes, “Santa would be lost if his reindeer ran off. Thank goodness Santa had them microchipped.”
Cats are a perfect example of why microchipping is important. Cats are much less likely to be wearing identification collars. Statistics show that a microchipped cat has a return-to-owner rate that is 20-times higher than one that hasn’t received an implant. To take advantage of the upcoming free microchip clinic at Lake Chelan Veterinary hospital, call 509-682-5812 to reserve an appointment.
