The BC Pet Registry, a key initiative of the BC SPCA, continues to champion pet safety and welfare across Canada. On May 5th, a microchipping clinic aimed at safeguarding pets and supporting pet owners took place in the BC SPCA Surrey Education & Adoption Centre. This event not only provided a crucial service to the community but also emphasized the importance of pet identification in preventing the heartache of lost pets.
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Why The Microchip Clinic
“We have been receiving a lot of requests from members of the general public about this service. The majority of pet owners find it difficult financially at a time when inflation is at record high”
– Says Layla Gilhooly, manager of the BC SPCA Surrey Education & Adoption Centre.
The microchipping clinic at the BC SPCA Surrey was a huge success, showcasing BC Pet Registry’s commitment to making pet safety accessible to everyone. By offering microchip services to all visiting pets for a donation, the event aimed to eliminate financial barriers that might prevent pet owners from investing in this essential form of identification.
Why Microchipping Is The Best Form of Identification
Microchipping is a straightforward and effective way to ensure that pets can be identified and returned to their owners if they ever get lost. Unlike collars and tags that can fall off or become unreadable, a microchip provides a permanent ID that is registered in a centralized database, accessible by veterinarians and shelters across the country. Learn more information on how microchipping works here.
Effective August 1st, 2024, the new rules under CDC go into effect. Anyone traveling with a dog to the US will be required to have a microchip implanted that is ISO compliant. All microchips sold and used by the BC Pet Registry are ISO compliant. For more information about this, please visit the CDC website here. If you are unsure whether your pet’s microchip is ISO-compliant, please contact your veterinarian for verification.
Veterinarians Volunteering Their Time
Dr. Erin Connolly (far right)
The success of this event would not have been possible without the generous support of local veterinarians. Dr. Erin Connolly (far right of the photo above) from Sardis Animal Hospital and Dr. Emilia Gordon (photo on the right) from Haven Veterinary Services volunteered their time and expertise to help administer microchips to all visitors, highlighting the collaborative effort required to promote pet welfare and the importance of educating the community. Their dedication and compassion were deeply appreciated by the community and the BC Pet Registry.
Dr. Emilia Gordon (Side view)
Giving Back to the Community
The microchipping clinic is a pilot project designed to give back to the community and promote pet safety. By removing the financial barrier, the BC Pet Registry hoped to encourage more pet owners to microchip their pets, thus increasing the chances of lost pets being reunited with their families. The BC Pet Registry regularly engages in community-focused initiatives, as seen in their partnership with Douglas College to enhance pet safety.
Community Response and Event Impact
The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive. The clinic had to turn away some pet owners due to the high level of interest, demonstrating the community’s appreciation for such initiatives. The event’s success demonstrates the need for similar projects in the future to ensure all pets in the region are protected. As a result of such success, the BC SPCA will be hosting more microchip clinics in the future. Please check with your local BC SPCA centers for the possibility of a microchip clinic.
Feedback from attendee Cassandra
Among the many attendees was Cassandra M. and her cat, Rio. Her feedback provides valuable insights into the community’s perception of the microchip clinic:
What were your initial thoughts on the microchip clinic concept?
“I thought it was a very kind thing to do and appreciated that the vet and your people would take the time and effort to do this!”
What motivated your decision to get a microchip for Rio?
“I didn’t want her to have a tattoo in her ear and even though she will be an inside cat I want to make sure if she gets out that I will get her back!”
Would you encourage pet owners to join our next clinic and why?
“Yes, I think it’s a great tool to locate your pet and when by donation there really is no reason not to!”
How would you describe your overall experience?
“I was very happy that everyone was so kind to me and Rio. It had such a positive impact on me that everyone would be so kind/caring to us both!”
Could you provide a brief testimonial or review of your experience with us?
“The whole experience was very good, I would have liked to not wait 1 hour but totally understood that it was necessary. I think the vet and techs were so helpful and loving to my kitten that it made me super happy that I did it with you instead of my vet. Rio was given some treats that she loved, and I have now purchased for her, and I was grateful for this as well. All in all, it was a positive and great experience and I would recommend anyone interested to do this with the SPCA.”
Ensuring Pets are Protected
The BC Pet Registry’s primary goal is to ensure pets are protected through reliable identification methods. Microchipping is a simple, quick procedure that provides lifelong security for pets. The microchips registered with the BC Pet Registry are also traceable internationally via the AAHA’s universal pet microchip lookup tool, enhancing the chances of reunification regardless of where a pet might be found. For a compelling story of how pet microchip ID’s work in practice, read about Norman’s reunion with his owner!
Be a Part of the 80% Responsible Owners
If you are unsure of your pet’s registration status and you would also like to support the BC SPCA and its community, there is no harm in directly registering with us. All you need is the microchip number and/or tattoo code to start the online registration process. For a small, one-time fee of $45, your pet will be protected for a lifetime and you will have contributed to supporting the life-saving work of the BC SPCA.
Pilot Project to Remove Financial Barriers
This clinic was part of a pilot project aimed at removing financial barriers that might prevent pet owners from microchipping their pets. By offering this service for a donation, the BC Pet Registry demonstrated its commitment to making pet safety accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances especially during inflationary times.
Microchip Clinic Coming Soon To Your Community
The success of the Surrey microchipping clinic has demonstrated the need and set a course for future events. The BC Pet Registry plans to host more clinics across various regions, ensuring that all pets have the opportunity to be safely identified and reunited with their owners if lost. We may be visiting your community soon, so look out for a microchipping clinic near you!
For more success stories, check out how Hobbes was reunited after being 150 km away from home!
Conclusion
The microchipping clinic in Surrey was a successful event, reflecting the BC Pet Registry’s dedication to pet safety and community service. The overwhelming community response and the heartfelt testimonials from pet owners like Cassandra M. shows the appreciation and the importance of such initiatives. By continuing to offer these services, the BC Pet Registry not only aims to protect pets, but also strengthen the bond between pets and their owners.
FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of microchipping my pet?
Microchipping provides a permanent form of identification that significantly increases the chances of reuniting lost pets with their owners.
Q: How does the BC Pet Registry ensure the safety of my pet’s information?
The BC Pet Registry uses a secure, centralized database that is accessible by authorized veterinarians and shelters, ensuring your pet’s information is safe and traceable.
Q: Is microchipping painful for my pet?
Microchipping is a quick and virtually painless procedure, comparable to a routine vaccination.
Q: What should I do if my pet is lost?
Immediately update your pet’s microchip information with the BC Pet Registry and contact local shelters and veterinary clinics.
Q: How can I participate in future microchipping clinics?
Keep an eye on the BC Pet Registry website and the BC SPCA’s social media channels for announcements about upcoming clinics.
Q: Why choose the BC Pet Registry?
The BC Pet Registry offers a comprehensive, secure, and internationally traceable microchip registration service, dedicated to help reunite lost pets with their owners quickly and The BC Pet Registry is the only non-profit pet registry in Canada that is determined to achieve social change. We have been working with many different rescue groups as well as non-profit organizations to provide free microchips for pet guardians who normally would not be able to afford to do so. By supporting the BC Pet Registry, you are also supporting communities in need as well!
