Losing a pet is a heart-wrenching situation, but there are ways to give yourself peace of mind. Dogs and cats should wear collars with identification tags; however, collars can fall off or be removed, and animals can get lost without any visible form of ID. A microchip is one of the best ways to protect your dog or cat if the pet gets lost. This tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice that’s implanted under the skin at the shoulder blades, cannot be lost, worn out, or removed.
If your pet ever gets lost and is taken to an animal shelter or a veterinary clinic, they will scan the animal to see if he or she is microchipped. If so, the identification number appears and you can be found in a database, because the number is linked to your information.
It’s just as important to keep your contact information up to date with the microchip company. Many times animals come into shelters with microchips; however, their owner's contact information is not always current and the animal must wait to be reunited. Want proof? See how microchips were the ticket home for two dogs who entered the shelter.
Animal Services provides microchipping for only $20 by appointment only during our regular business hours. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards. Please clink on the link below to download the Microchip Owner Information page and bring this completed form with you to the shelter. Once your animal is microchipped, Animal Services will send the information to the microchip company to register your new microchip.
Another way to keep a commitment to your pet's health is by keeping them up to date on their vaccinations. We hold occasional vaccination clinics for both dogs and cats. Keep an eye out for the latest events. VIP Petcare has regular vaccination clinics in both Visalia and Tulare.