MIDDLEBURY — Homeward Bound, Addison County’s Humane Society, is offering an Open Door Microchip Clinic on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 10.a.m.-noon. The purpose of this clinic is to offer the community a low-cost way to safeguard lost animals.
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 contains all the owner’s contact information. Most veterinary offices and shelters can scan for this chip and quickly identify the owner. The entire process takes less than two minutes and is almost painless.
The clinic is open to both dogs and cats. The cost of microchipping is $35 and this covers the microchip implant and initial registration.
The clinic takes place at the shelter, 236 Boardman Street in Middlebury.  Shelter staff ask that all dogs be on leash and cats be in carriers for this event. Interested parties can call 388-1100 to pre-register. The service will be provided on a first-come, first serve basis.
Homeward Bound executive director, Jessica Danyow, is a strong advocate for micro-chipping. “Micro-chipping enables people to safeguard their pets should they ever become lost. It substantially increases the odds that the animals will be reunited with their family. Last year alone we reunited 79 pets with their families and the microchip was to thank in many of these cases! We feel that our upcoming clinic is a valuable service to the greater community.”