May is National Chip Your Pet Month, a time to emphasize the importance of microchipping pets as a permanent form of identification. A perfect illustration of this occurred recently at Mission Viejo Animal Services (MVAS) when a teenager brought in a Dachshund, explaining that he had found the dog while playing soccer in San Juan Capistrano. The teenager had been approached by a man who claimed to have found the dog "in the mountains" and was "giving it away." After taking the dog home for a few days, the teenager eventually brought it to MVAS. Shelter staff quickly noted that the dog had recently undergone surgery on both rear knees. Fortunately, the dog had a microchip, which led staff to reach out to the owner residing in Perris, California.
Upon contacting the owner, it was revealed that she had been searching local shelters for her missing dog named "Buddy." The owner explained that Buddy had gone missing from her home a week earlier. While it remains unclear how Buddy went missing or ended up in San Juan Capistrano, what is certain is that if Buddy were not microchipped, the owner wouldn’t have recovered her dog. This case highlights the true importance of microchipping your pets.
Microchipping is available at our quarterly drive-through vaccine clinics for only $20. There is no exam fee or appointment necessary. Our next clinic is from 8:30 - 10 am Saturday, May 10 at Mission Viejo Animal Services for all residents from Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Laguna Hills.
