Animal Welfare Professionals

Our community does not have any licensing requirements for either cats or dogs. And, like so many others, we are experiencing a huge increase in strays and abandoned animals. Without some means of ID, it's almost impossible to reach the owners, either to return the animal or enforce the abandonment ordinance. We are considering a low/no cost community-wide microchipping program as a way to improve our RTO results and keep more space available in our no-kill shelter. Does anyone out there have experience with a program like this? Does it / will it help with the RTO problem?
#ReturntoHome(LostPetReunification)

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jim wieszczyk
Director
A Second Chance Animal Shelter
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I highly recommend you speak with Shyanne Schull at Washoe County in Reno, Nevada. Their microchip program has resulted in a 67% return to home rate for dogs. Cats are nearly 10%, which is much higher than most. Shyanne can be reached at: SSchull@washoecounty.gov 
Of all the programs I review across the country, I believe her model demonstrates the power of microchips. 
Best of luck to you!
Gina

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Gina Knepp
National Shelter Engagement Director
Michelson Found Animals Foundation
Los Angeles, California
916-230-4533
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