According to the American Humane Association, one in three pets become lost in their lifetime, and over 10 million dogs and cats become lost or stolen every year. While identification tags are a popular way to ensure pets have a way of getting home, they simply aren’t enough.
This is where microchipping, which is highlighted by the responsible pet trade throughout May, comes in. This is a helpful and painless way of staying in touch with your pet should you get unfortunately separated.Microchipping is also an important way to ensure that only reputable breeders are providing pets to retailers. Furthermore, this helps shelters and rescues know the history of animals that arrive at their locations.
There is legislation across the country related to microchipping. PIJAC supports requirements that all dogs and cats be microchipped by a licensed veterinarian before they are sold in a pet store or adopted from a shelter. PIJAC believes that the transparency inherent in microchipping benefits companion animals, their owners, and the industry.
Microchipping is a simple process for most owners. It merely requires registration of the microchip – which may involve a fee – and contact information for owners. Vacationers who leave their pets with a sitter should update their contact information as necessary.
For more information on how PIJAC advocates for this type of legislation, visitwww.PIJAC.org.