Re: [PyrNet-L] Microchip question

[Dogsownme@aol.com]

Microchips are a wonderful for those of us who work in shelters.  We scan
every dog entering the premises, and in Michigan it is unlawful for any dog to
be in a research facility who has a chip in them.  (Believe it or not, there
are still shelters who do "pound release" which means that a research facility
pays a set fee per month and can take as many dogs as they want out of that
shelter--the county next to mine releases its dogs to one--and the last I
heard it is only $80 per month at this particular one)  Most vets have
scanners as well, and if they know of a missing dog, or are suspicious of
ownership, they have the dogs scanned.  They are easily implanted, and
Michigan Pyr rescue is microchipping all of their rescues.  They will receive
a call on the dogs and we will be able to get them out of shelters even if the
dogs' new owners won't or are unable to do so.

Therefore, it is a good idea to have your dog microchipped even if you feel
that your dog is safe in your back yard.  Plus, remember there is always the
possibility of theft or some neighbor (who may not appreciate the barking or
something) who may dump your dog at a shelter.  (This has happened in our
county and sometimes people take the animal to a different county and say it
was a stray, hoping that people wouldn't look that far away)

Marcie