Doug and Joni Lehman Family Charitable Fund.

recognizing Humane Fort Wayne an animal shelter and veterinary clinic serving Allen County.

.

Hi and welcome back to Pet Life .

I'm your host Emilie Henry and we're so glad you're joining us today we are talking about micro chipping, what it is, why it matters and how one small chip can make a big difference in helping a lost pet find their way home.

We'll cover how microchips work ,why registration is so important and what every pet owner should check to help keep their furry family members safe.

>> That was a mouthful.

We're joined by Jessica Henry Johnson and we want to hear your questions too.

So give us a call or send us a text during the show and be sure to stick around until the end to meet an adoptable pet looking for a forever home.

>> Let's get started.

>> Jessica Henry Johnson, Emilie Henry this is my youngest perhaps favorite shall we say.

This is my Aunt Jessica.

So we'll get that out of the way.

>> Full disclosure disclosure.

So you're not seeing double I wish I wish I looked more like you, my dear.

>> You're the sweetest.

OK, let's actually talk about microchips.

What are they and how do they work?

So microchips are little teeny tiny electronic devices that are implanted in an animal's neck just between the shoulder blades and they are the best way to ensure that your pet can make it back home to you if he or she ever runs astray.

>> OK, so you say they're tiny.

How how big are we talking or small is small is the is the appropriate word.

>> They are about the size of a grain of rice and I have brought one for you so that you and your viewers know that I am not fibbing.

>> So this little chip here is what we're talking about this tiny microchip is implanted.

>> The animals do not feel they don't even wince when we're implanting it because they are so small and the device that we use to do the implanting is virtually painless.

>> So that's incredible and and we are like legit it doesn't hurt them because that I would be I know.

>> I know.

But I promise it hurts less than piercing an ear, OK?

And it's quick and so worth it.

>> Yes.

Yes because this is the microchip implant her so I'm going to just take the lid off here so you can see that it's just a small needle and this little grain of rice comes out the tip of that needle again in between the shoulder blades of your pet and then that information is now implanted in your animal so that in the event they ever run loose they are more likely to make it back home safely.

>> OK, is this a one time procedure or does it need to be done?

It is a one time procedure and I will say ninety nine point nine nine percent of the time it's a one time procedure in rare instances and I mean the rarest the microchip might pop back out and we would have to microchip the animal but that is extremely unlikely to happen.

OK, so yes, we could just scan the animal and the microchip number comes up and I can even show you how that's done.

>> That's incredible.

So tell us when a pet is typically microchip, is this something that should already have occurred when we adopt a pet?

>> Absolutely.

When you adopt a pet the animal should come to you microchip if you are adopting from a reputable shelter or rescue organization all of our animals are microchip and that can be done as soon as they come in the shelter.

>> But typically by at least when they're eight weeks of age.

>> OK, now say someone purchases a pet or perhaps inherit a pet.

How do they a find out if the pet is a microchip and if it's not how do they go about you do yeah well the microchip the animal needs to be scanned to see whether or not it has a chip.

So is this a good time for me to demonstrate how this microchip reader works?

>> All right.

So we'll use our microchip here and we're just going to press this button and you heard that little beep so a number has popped up that is associated with this microchip.

>> OK, and if this microchip were implanted in an animal, we would be able to connect this animal to this microchip number.

So that's what you can do.

You can take your animal to any veterinarian, any clinic and you can have already shelter and have that animal scanned.

>> If it doesn't have a chip then it's the perfect time to get that animal chip.

OK, so let's talk about the expense of getting a pet microchip.

How expensive is it?

We don't have to talk specific numbers but you know, is there a low cost option for someone who wants it done?

>> Maybe you can't afford it.

Sure.

Most shelters offer microchips very affordably sometimes we even offer microchip clinics where you can get a chip for low cost, sometimes even free.

>> It depends but there usually is some cost associated with it but it is well worth it.

So I would say somewhere between fifteen forty dollars something like that for a microchip depending on where you're having that chip implant and again a priceless piece of mind.

>> OK, so once we've gotten the microchip or if we have adopted one who is microchip that's not the last step in this journey.

>> What what do we have to do?

It's not if your animal comes from a shelter and we certainly hope that it does the shelter typically registers the microchip for you.

>> I used a bonus but if you have your pet chipped at a veterinarian or if the animal comes to you another way and it's already been chipped, you need to register that chip or you need to update that Chip's registration so that it now reflects your information.

>> OK, walk me through the registration process.

Is it going to take me an hour ?

>> Is it quick and easy?

It's pretty quick and pretty easy.

So depending on who the microchip is from and I will say that that's one thing that can be a little bit confusing, Emily , is that there are multiple microchip companies on the market and they are not all the same OK, but thankfully there is a national microchip registry so that's been very helpful since that was brought about.

Prior to that it was difficult to kind of figure out where the microchip came from and we need to call to find out who's pet that was.

Yeah, now there's a national microchip registry so that's great.

But once you acquire your pet or have your pet microchip they'll give you the information to call or to contact or to go online and enter your information and your pets information that of course then gets registered and that pet is registered to you which incidentally also means at that pet is legally yours.

>> I was just going to say does that mean you have proof of ownership is correct.

>> OK, I mean it feels like that would never be an issue but I'm sure would absolutely can.

>> Yeah.

Especially if somebody finds a pet and they don't follow the correct steps of how to contact their local animal control agency, for example, if they don't follow all all the proper steps of returning that pet to its owner, they decide to keep that pet one way that that original owner can prove that that is in fact my pet is to have it scanned for a microchip that would tie back then to that original owner.

Wow.

OK, scan microchips can actually make the difference between a pet being reunited with its family and or not.

>> Oh absolutely.

Almost three times more likely to have your pet returned to you if it has been microchip and if that registration is today OK so how often do we need to just double check?

I'm embarrassed to admit this but I the whole time I had both my dogs who were microchips I never once at the vet said Hey can you scan and just be sure everything's it never occurred to me to ask well you're probably do that at the first visit.

>> You might have forgotten it because you were a wonderful new pet owner and you were all excited but yeah.

>> So when you first adopt an animal your veterinarian should scan that animal just to make sure that the chip is still implanted.

And I will say that most times that chip stays right between the shoulder blades but sometimes it can migrate right.

It can down the arm and move down the back.

>> But yes so sorry they just scanning all over trying to absolute absolutely.

>> I think we have a graphic tonight where you can see the best way to scan your pet for a microchip.

But yes, to answer your question you should just check to make sure that that chip is still implanted when you go to the vet they'd be happy to do that for you.

You can also take your animal to any shelter and make sure that the chip is still there and then if for some crazy reason the chip has somehow been lost, you can have that microchip if necessary.

>> OK, I mean does it ever happen that they can find the chip but it's just not readable or something kind of malfunctions in that way?

>> No, I've not come across that myself really.

>> The chip is if it's locatable, it's readable and then it should tie back to you .

>> God, can I do this for my kids?

You're not the first person to ask, OK?

Nobody asks for their spouse.

>> Oh yeah.

No just the kids know OK this is a big one.

One of the biggest misconceptions about micro chipping is that it works like a GPS.

So can you explain what a microchip actually does and what it doesn't do?

Sure.

So as I've said, the microchip is tied to the data that it's registered to.

>> Right.

So this this will not tell you where your animal is that is only done through this microchip.

>> Has the data stored on it.

It doesn't have a transmitter that connects to any satellite information so that has to be scanned for the microchip.

There are GPS collars out there.

>> If you have a known runner, if your pet is is on the lam frequently you definitely want to invest in a GPS collar for for dogs and cats that are out and about.

>> So that was actually one of my questions as well it seems like oh, if they have a microchip then they don't need the collar with their ID.

>> That's inaccurate, correct?

Absolutely is inaccurate.

I tell everybody even if your pet is microchip please please please have a tag on his or her collar.

It's a lot easier and a lot quicker to just call the phone number that you've had engraved on the back of the tag.

Right.

It's on your on your cat or dog collar and say hey I have do you have this has happened to me by the way many times I should be embarrassed to say that even even shelter directors dogs get loose sometimes and I would get a phone call that says do you have a little white dog named Jay ?

>> And I do.

Right.

So it's a lot quicker with with a tag name tag.

But in the event that the pet is not wearing a name tag you can have that chip scanned at any veterinarian or if it's after hours I'll put a little plug in that humane Fort Wayne has a twenty four hour outdoor chip scanner at the St.

Francis Drive location and that includes information on how to scan that PET, what to do if that PET does have a chip and then the next steps that you need to take.

>> That's incredible.

OK, so say I've done everything right and my pet is microchip it's registered.

>> What do I need to do to be sure that that information stays useful so you can check the chip online and make sure that your information is up to date?

>> OK, and again if you if you have adopted your pet from a reputable shelter, they will always keep that chip information in our system or in their system so that if the pet were to go stray while you're not around nobody can contact you.

They can at least contact the secondary contact who is the shelter and then the shelter can try to connect with you to OK but if you're moving for example, put it on your list when you're changing your address at the post office absolute to change the information on your absolutely microchip and most all microchips come with a little sticker that has the number printed out and the bar code and you will always give that to your veterinarian if if your animal isn't shipped at the vet and they'll put that in your pets file.

OK, I love that we've talked about how microchips prevent individual pets but what is the what are the implications for for the community and shelters when when a pet is microchips?

>> Well, it's again this is all about getting pets back home that run loose and I think statistically more pets get loose than people realize.

>> And so to keep our community safer by not having dogs free roaming or cats that you know, get those animals chips so that they can get back home, that's a number one advantage to having your pet microchip is the likelihood of his or her coming back home in the event that they happen to get loose and that stuff happens, Emily , a lot especially around the holidays for doors people in and out.

>> Yes, absolutely.

Fireworks, thunderstorms, lots of things that that pets get out because they're frightened or they just see a gate open or they see the front door and and they make a run for it.

That is the most terrifying feeling, the most terrifying feeling when your pet gets loose and you can't find it anywhere so it will help you you can help your pet and it will help you home down.

>> Of course you want to do all the things you want to make a phone call to your local municipal shelter, make sure that they know your pet is missing but having that pet microchip is some peace of mind that you would not otherwise have.

>> So we have we've talked a lot about dogs and I haven't owned a cat since I was a child so I cats can be microchip as well and should they?

>> Yes, absolutely because any pet has an opportunity to get even an indoor cat.

>> Yes.

Because you know, you know what they say about curiosity.

>> I do know I do know that and I would let folks know in our community that community cats are also microchips in our community.

>> So even unowned free roaming cats that have gone through the TARP program are microchips to an intersection or a neighborhood or to the community cat provider who's caring for that cat.

>> So in the event that that cat shows up to a shelter, the shelter can make sure that cat gets back to its neighborhood where it's known and love.

>> I'm so glad because we have a big fat orange cat that is in our neighborhood.

>> An ear tip.

Yes, yes.

Well, that cat is also microchip.

>> I'm so glad to know that.

OK, we talked a little about this.

If someone is unsure whether their pet is microchip, it's as simple as going to their veterinarian or to one of the shelters to their vet to one of the shelters or again to our microchip scanner that we have available.

>> If it's after hours and you find something running straight, you can just scan for the chip.

>> That's what a world.

So before we wrap up, what is the most important thing you want pet owners to remember about microchips?

That microchip is not a GPS but it is the number one way to ensure that your pet gets back to you safely.

>> Fantastic.

>> We're going to play it rapid, true or false.

OK, don't worry.

You're going to nail it OK?

>> Oh, we already answered this one.

A microchip can establish proof of ownership when it's properly registered.

>> True there is there a national check your chip day there is a national check your chip day it's in August I think it is it's August fifteen.

OK, but you can ask your pet at any time to oh definitely.

>> OK so you don't have to wait you don't have to wait till the fifteenth.

>> Perfect.

That's the day that we celebrate that your pet has been okay.

I love that I'm going to get you a gift.

>> Thank you.

>> Can it be a grain of rice.

Yes yes ok we did this one to a microchip is a GPS tracker.

No that's that's what my husband said before I left.

Oh.

So he can tell me where it is.

>> I said no no no that's not what it does.

Microchip is typically a one time procedure true.

>> OK, a microchip can fall off just like a collar or tag.

No it cannot fall off like a collar or a tag which is why it's a great way to make sure that your pet can be registered or recognized.

>> OK, having your pet microchip automatically means you'll be reunited with your lost pet.

>> No it does not automatically so that's false.

There are some follow up steps we talked about registration and this also means the community when you find a stray animal have it scanned for a chip, call your local municipal shelter, make sure you're doing your part to help pets get back home.

>> OK now quickly if you find a stray what what you should call someone correct or do you try to you can do a couple of different things.

You can take matters into your own hands by having that pet scanned but you do need to notify in our in our jurisdiction it would be for animal care and control to say hey, I have found this lost pet and you can either take that pet to them or you can be willing to hold onto that pet while that reunion process is in place.

>> OK, but you can see my fear is do I do I approach a pet?

>> Is that is that a no no?

Well, it depends if the pet is presenting as friendly.

>> Right and comes up to you.

Yes.

Contact clues tells me it's OK.

Absolutely yes.

But if that you're fearful of that animal or for any reason you don't want to touch that animal, it would be very helpful to a local animal control if that animal is contained in your yard and it's not out running.

>> Yes, but yes, you do want to contact an animal care and control but sometimes an animal can bypass the shelter altogether if you have that scanned and you're able to figure out through the means that we provide to you how to connect with the original owner and maybe you can just reconnect that animal that very night.

>> OK, so say that I have found a cat or a dog that looks friendly.

Yes.

And I keep it in my yard and call animal care and control.

>> Are they going to come out with a scanner and they'll scan they keep scanners on the van?

Yes.

Or you could say you know what, I'm just down the street from a vet.

>> I'm willing to run over there and have that pet scanned .

>> Fantastic Aunt Jess, I could talk to you forever.

Thank you so much for being here.

>> We are going to head over to Adoption Corner because Taylor has a sweet little levee that we're going to meet.

I'm excited you're going to love so much.

I know.

I already do.

Thank you.

Next time .

>> Love you too.

Welcome Taylor from Humaine Fort Wayne along with the sweet little pumpkin pronate her name is her name is Mouse.

>> She's the sweetest.

Tell us a little bit about Mouse.

Yeah.

So Mouse is a seven year old Chihuahua.

She is so very sweet she's currently feeling a little sleepy.

>> She was just spayed today.

Yes.

Yes.

Which is very important.

It's a must before we send out an animal into the world.

Yes I see.

I assumed when you told us when you told me earlier that she was just spayed I assumed she was a puppy.

So it just goes to show that regardless of their age that's a very important step when they come into the shelter we want to help the population of course, but we also want to make sure where you've got the animals health in mind too because spaying and neutering also helps with health issues.

>> Yes.

OK, so when she is not feeling sleepy because of a major medical procedure, what is her energy level?

What kind of home do you think she would thrive in?

She is a lover.

>> She she she just wants to be held even when she is normal she'll come right up to you in her kennel and hop on her little hind legs and say Hey I want you to pick me up and I want to sit in your lap and I just want to be around people.

She is funny and sassy.

>> She'll bark at all the people that walk by your can.

I'll just be like Hey what's going on?

Yeah I see you.

Yeah you got a little bit of that Chihuahua sass but she is well taken care of , well socialized and just very very sweet she goes showing off yes.

>> OK.

We should mention if you are interested in Mouse or any of the adoptable pets you saw while I was coming over here to Adoption Corner please don't call us here at PBS Fort Wayne as much as we would love to hear from you if you want one of the pets you have to call Humane Fort Wayne or scan that QR code .

They are the ones who can get you connected with a potential forever friend.

But also remember that you have to be registered.

There's a process so it's first come first serve but be sure you just get the application out of the way.

So when you when you fall in love you're ready to they're good for six months so once you're approved they're good for six months.

So maybe you're not finding the perfect one now when a perfect one comes along you'll be ready to go.

>> Yes.

OK, that's great to know.

So speaking of the perfect one, what kind of perfect household situation is she going to be good with kids with other dogs?

We're not sure about kids so we always recommend to bring everyone in the household to meet the adoptable.

So definitely kids adults if there are other dogs in the home, bring those in to meet Miss Mouse.

But she does she has lived with other dogs so she would do well with other dogs.

But we want to make sure they meet and see if they get along just to make sure it's a perfect before we send her into your home.

>> OK, what kind of energy level are we talking about?

Is moused going to need a certain kind of exercise regimen?

What should we know before getting into a potential adoption situation with her?

>> Yeah, she's when she's not sleeping she's definitely energetic so she'll want to play with toys.

She'll definitely want to run around and have some fun.

She might not be that dog that wants to go on like super long walks or things like that but she'll make a great dog that for the house to run around in the backyard to play around Chihuahuas they're temperamental.

So it's like maybe I want to go today.

Maybe I don't want to go today.

OK, like us if we're tired we don't want to go on a walk.

>> Yeah OK.

You mentioned that you aren't sure how she does with kids so everyone in the home to meet her or any potential new pet what is the likelihood she's making a little noise.

>> I don't know what a sweet girl I can't take you home.

I'm sorry.

What is the likelihood that she will feel nervous around the kids?

>> Is it is it something that we should consider bringing the kids maybe more than once to sort of give her a chance to warm up or is that not necessary?

>> That's not necessarily necessary as long as they come in and you're teaching your children the boundaries.

OK, so watch out for those signs that maybe they're not loving the fact that you're coming at them quickly.

Sure.

There you're near their treats ,their toys or whatever and just make sure you're watching their body language.

So as long as we're teaching the children to respect to the dog, the dog will respect the children.

>> OK, fantastic.

Do you know if Mouse came from a home with a fenced yard?

>> Is that what you would recommend?

I believe so.

We don't require it.

OK, it's recommended just because it gives an extra layer of security.

>> Sure.

But she did come from a overwhelmed caretaker.

OK, so they reached out to say hey we got to in a little over our heads.

They were very well cared for very, very loving dogs but they had eleven so we were able to take nine of one and help them out a little bit.

>> So she is very well socialized and like I said plays well with other dogs but yeah, she's just she's sweet looking for her forever love and needless to say she's microchip she is.

>> So even if she did get a little wily and get out as long as you register her microchip you would be able to get her back.

Oh yeah.

>> She is such a sweetheart.

Well, Taylor, thank you so much for being here again if you are interested in Mouse or any of the Fig Newton did you see in Newton if you're interested in any of the pets be sure that you scan that QR code ah call humaine Fort Wayne , thanks for being here.

>> We'll see you next time Doug and Joni Lehman Family Charitable Fund.

recognizing Humane Fort Wayne an animal shelter and veterinary clinic serving Allen County.