You know what’s incredibly frustrating? I mean, OK, yes, a list of the incredibly frustrating things in life could definitely go on and on. Perhaps I should have asked, you know one thing that’s incredibly frustrating?
We find it exceptionally exasperating when a stray animal comes into the shelter with a microchip and when we call in the number, the address is old, so we can’t get the animal home.
It drives us absolutely crazy.
Its so maddening to have a pet who actually has been microchipped so we know the owner cared enough to do it in the first place, but they moved in the meantime and forgot to change the address and phone information with the company. It basically means that we know for sure this animal has a home, but we can’t get them there.
And it happens more often than you’d think.
In a perfect world (yes, sometimes I like to dream like that), if every animal was microchipped, we wouldn’t have stray animals anymore because theoretically every time a pet gets away from an owner, a shelter or vet or humane society could scan them, get the owner’s information and get them back home.
Technology really is quite remarkable that it has given us this capability. From a little chip implanted just under the skin, we can have all kinds of information pop up on a hand-held scanner.
But it only works if the information is kept up to date.
Look, I’ve moved more than once in my life. I know how hectic it can be. I know how much there is to do – it always makes me want to be Barbara Eden so I could just blink my furniture and clothes wherever I want them to go.
I also know it can be a pain to get your addressed changed – on bills and at the post office and with other businesses. Certainly the more you move, the more irritating it can be, but when we do it, why not remember all of the information you need to change as you’re doing it?
It doesn’t make a lot of sense to me to have your pet microchipped, but not take the time to update information when you move. Having the microchip there, but having no way to contact the owner basically makes the implant completely useless.
Plus, it frustrates those who get excited at being able to get an animal home.
I’d even go so far as to suggest you keep the information on the microchip company with all your important paperwork so you won’t forget in the mad dash of moving.
We’ve had it happen at the shelter – animals who have a microchip, but we can’t get them home. Don’t let your four-legged baby be one to end up in a shelter because the microchip you had implanted became obsolete when you moved.
Taking the time to make sure all your information remains up-to-date, will help get your animals back to you should the worst ever happen.
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Jennifer Vanderau is the Publications and Promotions Consultant for the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter and can be reached at cvascomm@cvas-pets.org. The shelter accepts both monetary and pet supply donations. For more information, call the shelter at 263-5791 or visit the website www.cvas-pets.org. CVAS also operates a thrift store in Chambersburg. Help support the animals at the shelter by donating to or shopping at the store.
