At Coulee Region Humane Society, we’ve witnessed countless stories within the walls of our shelter — stories of hope, love, and, sometimes, the bittersweet moments of separation and reunion.
Unfortunately, we’re seeing a marked increase in lost and stray pets coming to the shelter. Last year, we took in 1,630 stray animals, a 10% increase from the previous year; we’re on track to exceed that number in 2024.
What the numbers don’t share is the heartache of losing your pet — and their heartache in losing you. That, of course, is immeasurable.
But there’s a simple solution to that: microchipping.
Microchipping your pet might seem like a small step, but its impact is monumental. It’s a straightforward procedure where a tiny chip, no larger than a grain of rice, is implanted under your pet’s skin. This chip carries a unique ID number that can be read by a scanner, acting as a permanent identification for your pet.
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Worried about the procedure? Let’s put those fears to rest. According to Dr. Nicole Azene, co-owner and veterinarian at Onalaska Animal Hospital, “The microchipping process is quick and causes minimal discomfort — no more than a routine vaccination.” This small act can mean the difference between a lost pet and a joyful reunion.
But how does it work? Once implanted, this chip is registered with your contact information in a national database. If your pet ever gets lost and is found, any veterinarian or shelter can scan the chip, retrieve the ID number, and connect your pet back to you through the database’s contact information.
It’s a system that works, and we’ve seen its success firsthand. Pets that are microchipped are significantly more likely to be reunited with their families than those who are not. In fact, studies have shown that microchipped dogs are over twice as likely to be returned to their owners, and for cats, the odds are even higher.
It’s also safe.
“Many pet owners worry about the safety and longevity of microchips, but I can assure you, the technology is both safe and effective,” said Azene. “Once implanted, the microchip doesn’t move around or cause any discomfort to your pet. It’s designed to last a lifetime, so your furry friend can always be identified and reunited with you, no matter how much time has passed. It’s one of the simplest but most powerful steps you can take for your pet’s safety.”
At the humane society, we’ve committed to ensuring every animal adopted from our shelter leaves with a microchip. This policy not only aids in reuniting pets with their families if they get lost but also helps us identify previous shelter animals. It’s a full-circle approach to pet care and community safety.
The importance of microchipping cannot be overstated. Beyond the obvious benefit of reuniting with lost pets, it also aids in medical emergencies. Should your pet be found injured, the information on the chip can expedite contact, allowing you to make critical decisions in real time.
So, we urge you: if your pet is not yet microchipped, make it a priority. It’s an easy, affordable procedure that offers peace of mind for you and security for your animal companion. It’s not just a chip; it’s their ticket home.
Heather Drievold is Executive Director of the Coulee Region Humane Society. She can be reached at Heather.Drievold@couleehumane.com.