Microchip Your Pets

Animals can be separated from their owners for many reasons.  They can escape from the yard, be startled by thunder or fireworks, or follow an intriguing scent… just to name a few.  Nearly every day our shelter either receives lost dogs/cats or visits from frantic owners searching for their pets.  Unfortunately, many of these pets are roaming the streets without proper identification and most will never return home again.  Especially in Hawaii, where many family pets enjoy living outdoors, a properly fitting collar, updated ID tag, and updated microchip are essential to pet ownership.

What is a microchip?

A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice.  It is a tiny computer chip surrounded in a special kind of glass.  The microchip contains a personal identification number unique to your pet.  This number is linked to a national database which contains your contact information.

The microchip is embedded under the neck skin of your pet in a method very similar to receiving a shot.  There is no anesthesia or special procedure necessary.  It is over in a matter of seconds.  Once the microchip is implanted it will scan immediately.

How does a microchip work?

When your pet is lost, if he is taken to an animal shelter or vet's office with a microchip wand the procedure is very simple.  The wand emits a low radio frequency and is waved over the neck/back of the animal.  If there is a microchip embedded it will send a signal to the wand with the personal ID number of the pet.  This number is then matched in the national database with your name and contact information.

Why does my pet need a microchip if he already has a collar and ID tag?

Despite your best intentions, collars can break and ID tags can fall off or become illegible.  Sadly, collars are also very easy to remove if someone else should decide to keep your lost pet for themselves.  Microchipping your pet provides a safe and secure way to store your contact information, and it can’t be removed.

Where do you get a microchip?

The Oahu SPCA recognizes the importance of reuniting lost pets with their owners.  This is why we are proud to offer microchip services for just $24.95 during normal shelter hours.  Compared to what you may pay at a vet's office, this price is a great deal!  We are open 10am to 3pm every Tuesday through Sunday.

Of course, in the end the best way to keep your pet safe is to stay vigilant and keep your home/yard secure.  But... for just $24.95 you can't beat the extra peace of mind a microchip can provide to your family pets for the rest of their lives.  It is so quick and easy and could just be the thing that saves your pet's life!

Sources:

http://www.paws.org/microchips.html

http://dogs.about.com/od/toyssupplies/a/microchipping.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microchip_implant_(animal)

http://www.howstuffworks.com/question690.htm

Tail of the Month

Hello, my name is Helon.  I ended up at the Oahu SPCA after I was found abandoned with lacerations and open sores all over my body.  I am a little girl only weighing 8lbs and it was really scary out there.  When my friends at the Oahu SPCA took me in, I only had use of my front legs and was paralyzed from the middle down with a fractured back.  Things were looking pretty bad until my friends at the Oahu SPCA and Dr. Leadbeater sponsored my spinal surgery.

People said my chances were slim, but boy did I show them.  Just two weeks after my surgery I started to stand on my own, a little wobbly, but my rear leg muscles and back are getting stronger.  A volunteer also made me special wheels, but for right now I am trying to take baby steps so far I have taken 4 on my own.  Every day I get stronger with the help of volunteers who assist with physical therapy and play time.  I am looking for a daytime foster that can continue to work my muscles, especially if they have a pool so I can try to swim.

If it weren't for the generosity of the Oahu SPCA, its volunteers, supporters and Dr. Leadbeater, I'm not sure if I would be here today.  My foster mom calls me a miracle baby!

Thank you to everyone who helped to make my future a bright and happy one.  My foster mom and I will remember your love with every step I take.

XOXO, Helon

Tree of Hope Celebration

The Oahu SPCA's second annual holiday fundraiser event, called the Tree of Hope Celebration, took place Saturday and Sunday 12/11 and 12/12.  It was an action packed weekend with raffle drawings, a shave ice truck, pizza stand, bake sale, logo item boutique, live entertainment, and of course... photos with Santa!

We extend a special thanks to the following vendors who helped to make this event possible:

~Papa John's

~Dogwalker Etc.

~Barking Dog Blankets

~Sit Means Sit

~Chris Desatoff Photography
~David Gramann

Santa made a special stop in Hawaii this year to visit all of the dogs and cats in need at the Oahu SPCA.  He was also available to take photos with visiting pets and their families.  Many of our four-legged visitors were dressed in their holiday best!

We would also like to send a warm mahalo to the many performers who entertained the attendees.  They include: Jesse Kauakahi Sr. and Jesse Jr., Ewa Hula Maids, Brianna Abregano, Darnelle Bolos, Sonya Mendez, and V.O.B.C.C. (Voice of the Believers Christian Church).

Despite some rain on Saturday, we had many families visit the shelter for special tours of the facilities.  By the end of the weekend we found new homes for 13 animals!  The Oahu SPCA also received many applications for foster families for those animals who are still at the shelter.

Especially at this time of year, when we are all wrapped up in buying Christmas gifts and focusing on our families... it was so uplifting to see the generosity of the volunteers and visitors at the Oahu SPCA this weekend.  Every donation given and every hour of volunteer work helps to save the lives of animals in need.  On behalf of the planning committee, thank you and Mele Kalikimaka to all!