Lost Pets Reunited with Properly Registered Microchips

 

WOULD YOUR PET BE PROTECTED IF IT WAS LOST? HOLIDAY HOUSE PET RESORT & DOYLESTOWN VETERINARY HOSPITAL TO HOST “CHECK THE CHIP” EVENT ON AUGUST 15, 2014

Lost Pets Reunited with Properly Registered Microchips

DOYLESTOWN, Pa., July 23, 2014—The warmer weather seems to bring an increase in lost pet postings around town or on social media. Whether scared away by loud noises like thunder and firecrackers, slipping out a door that was accidentally left open, or getting past an invisible fence, losing a pet can happen. Sadly, one in three pets will go missing from home during their lifetimes. Without correct identification, 90% of missing pets never return home. Getting lost is the primary cause of death for pets.

As a way to remind pet owners to have their pet’s microchipped and to keep the registration information up-to-date, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) created National Check the Chip Day. Doylestown Veterinary Hospital & Holiday House Pet Resort will host a free Check the Chip event on Friday, August 15, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the resort on 380 N. Shady Retreat Road, Doylestown.

When a lost pet arrives at a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, it is scanned for a microchip. The microchip is linked to a registry with contact information. It’s important to understand that a microchip is permanent identification but not a GPS device to track a lost pet. If the registry information is up-to-date, the pet will be reunited with the family. One study showed:

• Over 50% of microchipped dogs were returned; only 22% without a microchip were reunited
• Nearly 40% of microchipped cats were returned; less than 2% without a microchip were reunited

“We do see a high percentage of pets that are microchipped with incomplete or outdated information in the registry, or a pet profile was never created,” said Carol Hinckley, shelter manager for the Bucks County SPCA in Lahaska.

All community pet owners can stop by to have their pet’s microchip scanned for their number and to receive registry information. There will also be information about the HomeAgain microchip program recommended by and administered at Doylestown Veterinary Hospital.

Guests will also be treated to family fun and games:

• Spin the Holiday House Pet Resort game wheel for great prizes
• HomeAgain Snoopy tattoos for the kids
• Tours
• Dog treats and People treats too!

The Check the Chip event is free, open to the public, and will be held rain or shine.