Despite the best efforts of pet owners, disasters like wildfires and hurricanes often see evacuating individuals or families separated from their pets in the confusion. The lost animal website Petconnect, for instance, still lists around ten dogs that have yet to be reunited with their owners in the aftermath of the Park Fire.
Microchipping is one of the most effective ways to connect with the owner of a lost pet, but veterinarians often note that the practice is still not as common as it should be. Dr. Daniel Gebhart, who practices at VCA Valley Oak Veterinary Center, previously reported to NSPR that just 5 percent of the hundreds of dogs and cats he treated following the Camp and Bear Fires had been microchipped.
Now, Butte County Humane Society is aiming to provide residents with cost-covered microchipping services on a first-come, first-served basis, as the funds gradually become available. As a private nonprofit, the organization provides its services freely and is not under contract with the city or county. This initiative is funded completely by donations.
Interested pet owners can call the Butte County Humane Society to make an appointment, or simply drop by the organization’s office between Tuesday and Friday. All clients must provide a valid identification document bearing a Butte County address. Free microchipping will remain available for as long as funds last, with a limit of two microchips per household.
Safety Essentials Every Pet Needs
While microchips are a key piece of identifying information that can reunite you with your dog in the event of a disaster, don’t skip out on other security essentials, which can be just as helpful. Custom dog collars with updated ID tags attached are easy to spot on a lost pet and provide rescuers with immediate information on the animal’s owner. Martingale collars are an especially secure option for pets who tend to try to back out of their collars and escape their leashes.
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