SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Spay and Neuter Syracuse is offering microchips to low-income pet owners in the community.
Microchips are identification markers that can help people in the event their animals get lost. Although microchips aren’t GPS trackers, Veterinary Technician Priscilla Bracero believes all new pet owners should get their animals microchipped.
“At least microchipping as a bare minimum is definitely a good method to ensure that your pet has the association with your home address [and] your phone number,” Bracero said.
Unlike GPS trackers, which are usually attached to a pet’s collar, microchips are implanted under the skin. When the animal receives the microchip, people are supposed to register it in a national pet recovery database. However, according to Clinic Director Janyl Jones, some owners don’t record their information.
“A lot of people think just because it’s placed, that the animal is guaranteed to be updated,” Jones said. “But unfortunately not, they have to do their due diligence and follow up.”
The hospital is hosting the microchip clinics for the very first time. With consistent staffing, Spay and Neuter Syracuse is hoping that microchips can help decrease the amount of overcrowded animal shelters in the area.
“We are here for low-income people,” Bracero said. “That’s something that people can really rationalize and afford and really get to have done for their pets.”
The microchip clinics are this Monday and Wednesday at the hospital. Appointments are required and the microchips will cost animal owners $20 for each pet. For more information, people can visit the Spay and Neuter Syracuse website.
