Adopted Dogs, Cats Have Microchips
Los Angeles County has become the latest local government to start implanting microchips in all dogs and cats that are adopted from county animal shelters in hopes of reducing the number of strays that are euthanized.
In the last week, county animal shelter workers implanted microchips--the size of a grain of rice--in the necks of dozens of newly adopted animals. When an electronic sensor is passed over the implant, a scanner displays the pet’s identification number, which is used to locate the owner.
“Every animal we can get reunited is one less we have to put down,” said Bob Ballenger, spokesman for the county Department of Animal Care and Control.
The service, available from private veterinarians for about $25 to $45, is also available at county shelters for $20 and at L.A. city animal shelters for $25.
The city of Los Angeles has implanted microchips in 10,000 to 12,000 adopted animals since it began the service last August. Figures were not available to show if it has led to fewer animals being euthanized.
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