MIDDLEBURY — Homeward Bound, Addison County’s Humane Society, has announced the dates of its 2016 Open Door Microchip Clinics. The clinics will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon on the following Saturdays: March 12, May 14, July 9, Sept. 10 and Nov. 19.
A microchip is a small electronic chip (about the size of a piece of rice) that is inserted under the skin between a pet’s shoulder blades and that contains all of the owner’s contact information. Most veterinary offices and shelters have the ability to scan for this chip and quickly identify the owner. The entire process takes less than 2 minutes and is almost painless.
The clinic is open to both dogs and cats. The cost of microchipping is $35. This covers the microchip implant and initial registration.
The clinics take place at the shelter, which is located at 236 Boardman St. in Middlebury. Shelter staff ask that all dogs be on leash and cats be in carriers for this event. Interested parties can call 802-388-1100 to register. The service will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. 
Homeward Bound Executive Director Jessica Danyow, is a strong advocate for microchipping. “Microchipping enables people to safeguard their pets should they ever become lost,” she said. “It substantially increases the odds that the animals will be reunited with their family.
“A great example is a cat named Trooper who was adopted from Homeward Bound in 2012 and went home with a microchip,” Danyow continued. “When he escaped from his adoptive home, he wandered into the next county before he was found. After three weeks he was successfully reunited with his family thanks to the microchip. We feel that our upcoming clinic is a valuable service to the greater community.”