What does it mean to "microchip" a pet?

Although we strongly encourage every pet owner to obtain a tag for their pet, we recognize that collars can come loose and tags can break off. We therefore provide a microchip for all adoptable animals. The microchips we use are made by the 24hrPetWatch company and are smaller than a grain of rice. They are totally inert, and completely harmless. A shelter technician injects the microchip just beneath the animal's skin between the shoulderblades, where it will remain for the life of the animal.

Animal Control Officers scan every animal they pick up with a special device that detects the presence of a microchip. Shelter staff also scan every animal that comes through our doors. Each animal is scanned at least twice before it is euthanized or made available for adoption. If a microchip is detected, we will attempt to provide the same door-to-door service that we provide for tagged animals. Once we even returned a cat to its owner in South Dakota, based on the presence of a microchip!

We can provide a microchip for your own animals during most business hours, at a cost of $10.00.