04/01/2023
For local Houston area pet owners, good to know!
As of February 1st, 𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧! Microchipping your pets is important for several reasons:
1. 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Microchipping provides permanent identification for your pet, ensuring that if they are lost or separated from you, they can be reunited with you. Microchips are small, painless devices that are implanted under the skin and contain a unique identifier number that can be read by a microchip scanner.
2. 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲: In the event that your pet is lost, a microchip can greatly improve the chances of recovery. If your pet is found and taken to a shelter or veterinarian, they will be scanned for a microchip and, if one is found, the unique identifier number can be used to find your contact information and reunite you with your pet.
3. 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Microchips can be updated with your current contact information, so if you move or change phone numbers, you can ensure that your pet's microchip always has your most up-to-date information.
4. 𝐍𝐨 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝: Microchips do not require batteries or any external power source, so they will last for the life of your pet.
5. 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞: Microchipping is a one-time cost that is relatively low and can be done during a routine veterinary visit. It is a cost-effective way to ensure that your pet is permanently identified, which can be particularly important if they are lost.
If you do not have your pet chipped yet, there are plenty of low-cost places that can help!
BARC- $15
3200 Carr Street, Houston, TX 77026
https://www.houstontx.gov/barc/wellnesscenter.html
Citizens for Animal Protection- $30
17555 Katy Freeway Houston, Texas 77094
281-497-0591
PetCare Express- $35
2501 W Holcombe Blvd, Suite D. Houston, TX 77030-1955
713-592-9977
and
6220 W. 43rd St. Houston, TX 77092
832-649-3179
Harris County Pets- $15
612 Canino Rd, Houston, TX 77076
281-999-3191
Houston Pets Alive- $25
2800 Antoine Dr. Suite #2854, Houston, TX 77092
713-492-2541
We hope all pet parents, in Houston and elsewhere, will make sure their pets are microchipped, AND don't forget to register the microchip with your information after implantation! Check that your pet's existing chip is registered here: https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-microchip-lookup/microchip-search/
