The importance of microchipping your pet

Maybe Fido saw an opportunity to slip under the fence gate or Fluffy took the opportunity to saunter out the front door as you are bringing groceries in the house; whatever the case, many of us have lost a pet even if it’s for a split second.

MHS has reunited approximately 300 animals with their owners just this year. The easiest way for you to be reunited with your missing pet is to ensure that all your pets are microchipped as MHS or animal control will scan for a microchip upon the animal’s arrival.

A microchip, as defined by the AKC, is a “radio-frequency identification transponder that carries a unique identification number, that is roughly the size of a grain of rice. When a microchip is scanned by a vet or shelter, it transmits the ID number. There is no better, no power required, and no moving parts. The microchip is injected under the loose skin between your pet’s shoulder blades and is no more invasive than a vaccine.

The microchip then needs to be registered with the corresponding database with the owner’s information. So, when a pet comes to MHS and they are scanned, if a microchip is present, the owners can easily be contacted if the phone number, email address, and home address is up to date. MHS offers microchipping for just $27.50 with no appointment required.

If your pet is missing and is not yet microchipped, we urge owners living in Pottawattamie County to visit Midlands Humane Society daily until your pet is found. Lost reports are accepted however you know your pet the best and can identify them much easier than a stranger.

Per Council Bluffs ordinance, MHS is legally required to house a pet for three days before starting the process of adoption preparation. It is imperative that owners missing their animals come to the shelter promptly and frequently to search for their pet as MHS does not have the kennel space to hold animals for an indefinite amount of time.

If you are on Facebook, there are may great pages/groups utilized specifically for lost and found animals in Council Bluffs and surrounding areas. A couple examples are “Council Bluffs Lost & Found Pets” and “Missing Pets of Council Bluffs/Omaha areas”.

Folks from the community can post photos and information about animals they have found, hoping an owner will be scanning the posts. If a member of the public has found an animal, they need to be taken to a clinic or shelter to be scanned for a microchip and a found report should be filled out at MHS.

MHS is happy to answer any questions you may have regarding a lost or found pet, so please do not hesitate to call at 712-396-2270 during regular business hours.

MHS Pets of the Week brought to you by Montang Body Shop:

Castiel is a 5-year-old neutered male Boxer mix who is a sensitive, shy guy looking for a quiet home with patient owners who will allow him to acclimate at his own pace. Castiel has previously lived with cats and enjoys an occasional game of chase, and he does join in on doggy play group. Any dog friends should be able to tolerate his pushy play style and a meet and greet with existing dogs is recommended to ensure they get along. He would prefer an adult-only home or a home with children in their teens.

Cookie is a 3-year-old spayed female Collie/German Shepherd mix who can be timid when she meets new people but warms up very quickly and turns into a big ball of affection. Any dogs in the home should be tolerant of her playstyle so we recommend a bigger dog who can keep up with her. She will be a great companion for a patient owner who will help her come out of her shell.

Ricky is a 1-year-old neutered male Domestic Shorthair who came to MHS as a stray. He is affectionate, laid back, and we think he will acclimate well to most any home. He may be selective with his feline friends, so his new owners should be prepared to do slow, appropriate introductions with any resident cats. He is living successfully in one of our cat colony rooms at MHS.

Jericho is a 2-year-old neutered male Pit mix who is a very happy, bouncy guy who doesn’t realize his own strength so his new family will need to work with him on some of his basic manners. He enjoys going to play group with other dogs so we think he would like to have a doggy friend in his new home. He will need to be adopted to an area without a breed ban.

Visit MHS weekdays from 12-6pm and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or view our adoptable pets online at www.midlandshumanesociety.org/adopt.