Lee County to hold pet microchip ID clinics
Two Lee County families were recently reunited with long-lost pets thanks to pet microchip identification. The Williams family was reunited with “Smoke” who had been missing for 13 months. She had been found by another nearby family where she lived until August 2009 when she strayed again. This time “Smoke” was found by Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) who scanned her for a microchip ID which identified the Williams as her owners. The family was overjoyed! They had never forgotten about the special little puppy but didn?t believe they would ever see her again.
The Ditty family would also agree. In August they were reunited with their 18 year-old-cat that had been missing for three years when it was found and brought to the LCDAS shelter. Thanks to a microchip ID another happy ending resulted.
Lee County will hold the first of six Pet Microchip ID Clinics over the next seven months. The next clinic is on Oct. 24 from noon to 2 p.m. at the agency’s animal shelter, 5600 Banner Drive, in Fort Myers.
For just $15 owners may have their pets implanted with a small microchip ID that will identify the owner should the pet become lost.
Owners providing proof of public assistance may have their pets microchipped for $5 each. Cash will be the only method of payment at the clinics.
In August the Lee County Board of County Commissioners approved a revision to pet license fees. Previously to receive a reduced license fee pets had to be sterilized. Now pets will have to be microchipped and sterilized to qualify for the discounted fee.
The fee change will not go into effect until January of 2010, so pet owners who wish to have their pets microchipped will have ample time before their current license expires.
Owners should check with their regular veterinarian about getting a microchip for their pet or attend one of the six clinics offered by LCDAS.
For more information about pet license fees and dates for additional Microchip Clinics scheduled through April 2010 call Lee County Domestic Animal Services at (239) 533-7387 (LEE-PETS) or visit the agency’s Web site at: www.LeeLostPets.com.