Pet owners opt to microchip pets

QCS Senior Writer

Tucumcari's Tractor Supply Company was the site of a K-9 invasion Saturday when more than a dozen dogs were microchipped by the Paws and Claws Animal Rescue Group.

“Microchipping can aid in a pet's safe return if lost or stolen,” said Kathi McClelland, rescue group president.

McClelland said the radio-frequency identification implant provides a permanent ID for a pet. She said pets usually have ID tags on their collar imprinted with a name and owner's contact information. The advantage of a microchip is it will not fall off like a collar and the information does not fade over time, McClelland said.

McClelland administered the microchips by an injection under the loose skin between the shoulder blades.

“Microchipping is a great way to identify lost animals and return them to their owners,” said Yvette Peacock, Tucumcari resident.

Peacock attended the event to get her two Chihuahua/Terrier puppies microchipped. She said the pair are recently adopted rescue dogs.

“They were abandoned at a local church,” Peacock said. “I saw the two and I felt sorry for them.”

McClelland said the microchips do not work like a global positioning device and don't require a power source. She said a scanner is passed over the pet giving the microchip enough power to transmit an ID number.

“The number is registered in an online database that can be accessed to find the owner,” McClelland said.