Microchips, tags and collars will help lost dogs or cats be returned
Pet Ohana / Hawaiian Humane Society
Question: I recently adopted a 6-month-old kitten from a neighbor. He's kept inside and wears an identification collar. Is it really necessary to get a microchip, too?
Answer: Collars and tags do come off. Microchips don't. So yes, it's a good idea to microchip your cat, and with $5 specials in August, why wouldn't you want to ensure your beloved pet has every advantage possible of finding its way home if it should get out?
Through Aug. 24, Oahu veterinary clinics from Waimanalo to Waianae are waiving office-visit fees and microchipping cats and dogs for $5. A list of participating veterinarians can be found at www.hawaiianhumane.org.
Q: Does my kitten still need her collar?
A: Collars and tags provide visual identification, while microchips provide permanent ID. We have countless stories of animals reunited with families after days or years of being lost, thanks to microchips.
But tags and collars with your name and telephone number not only help identify your pet, they ensure that those in your neighborhood or community association know that your cat is not feral.
For dog owners, a city and county issued ID tag is not only the law, it asserts that you are your dog's legal owner.
Q: Where is a microchip inserted and how does it work?
A: About the size of a rice grain, a microchip is implanted beneath the skin and between the shoulder blades.
A hand-held device, similar to a store's checkout scanner, reveals a chip's unique alphanumeric code, which can be crosschecked against the Hawaiian Humane Society database of Oahu pets.
It is up to the owner to ensure that the Society is advised of new telephone numbers or changes of address.
Q: What is the best age to bring my cat in for microchipping?
A: Cats, as well as dogs and rabbits, are typically ready for microchips at 8 weeks.
The Hawaiian Humane Society welcomes questions by e-mail,
hhs@hawaiianhumane.org. Indicate "Pet Ohana" in the subject line. Or, write "Pet Ohana," Hawaiian Humane Society, 2700 Waialae Ave., Honolulu 96826.