Wisconsin — With spring just around the corner, the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is reminding pet owners that now is the best time to microchip their pets.
As temperatures rise in the spring and summer months, shelters typically see an increase in stray animals. Warmer weather means longer walks, more time outside, and more social events. This increase in activity creates additional opportunities for pets to break free or slip away. An increase in seasonal events can also bring large crowds, fireworks, and other potentially frightening situations, adding more risk they may run off.
Microchipping is the most reliable way to ensure a lost pet is returned home. About the size of a grain of rice, a microchip is a small device implanted just under the skin. When scanned, it provides a unique identification number that connects to a secure database containing the owner’s contact information.
“Every stray animal who comes into a WHS facility is scanned for a microchip,” said Corey Viars, media specialist for the WHS Green Bay and Door County Campuses. “Because of this technology we are able to quickly reunite hundreds of animals every year with their loving owners.” Viars also says if your pet is already microchipped, it is important to keep your online profile updated with your latest address, phone number, and email.
In addition to scanning every stray animal who arrives at WHS, every dog, cat, and rabbit adopted through WHS is microchipped before going to their new home. The organization also offers microchipping at all vaccine clinics for just $25. Pet owners interested in scheduling an appointment can visit wihumane.org/vaccines for more information.
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About the Wisconsin Humane Society
The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) was founded in 1879 and is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin, annually serving more than 65,000 animals and the people who love them. WHS is an independent nonprofit, receives no general government funding and there is no national umbrella group in animal welfare. WHS operates shelters in Door, Brown, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, and Kenosha Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. The organization offers stray animal holding, adoption services, youth programs, veterinary services, pet food pantries, retail stores, wildlife rehabilitation, training classes and more. WHS is ranked 4 stars by Charity Navigator, the premier independent charity watchdog group. To learn more, visit www.wihumane.org.