Chip, Tag and Registering Tips

The 3 most important things you need to do to assure your dog gets back to you if it gets out or is lost in a disaster:
1.  Get a microchip and have it checked when you go to the Vet for annual checkups
2. Register the Microchip and update it when you move or get a new phone number.
     Keep all the info for the Chip company and the Chip number in your phone contact list.
3. 10 Digit Phone # Tag on the collar - A good Samaritan may not be willing to put your dog in a car and go get it scanned for a chip but they most likely will call a phone number that is handy on the collar and it can save a horrible trip to a Shelter.

New Programs

We are looking forward to partnering with the South Bend Animal Care and Control for 5 new "Chip & Tag" events in 2017.​

• March 26, 2017 – Pet Supplies Plus
• June 17, 2017 – South Bend Animal Care Control
• October 7, 2017 – Blessing of the Pets
• October 15, 2017 – Real Services  (Focus on Seniors)
• November 5, 2017 – VFW (Focus on Veterans)

Why Chip & Tag?

• Chip & Tag is about preventing pets from being lost forever from their families
• Strays can account for 40% - 60% of a Shelter's intake on average, which is an expense to everyone
• With a microchip, people can prove ownership and dogs can be returned
• We live in an area with multiple shelters and on a state line so dogs get taken to a variety of places
• During a weather disaster like a tornado, dogs bolt and in the chaos are separated from their families. Out of state organizations will often come in to give the dogs care, but then not know who it belongs to and the dog is taken out of the area.
• Our area has dog fighting gangs that steal pets to use as bait dogs. A dog with a microchip can be used as evidence, so it is not as desirable.
  
• There are Dog Flippers that steal a dog out of an owner's yard and sell it on Craigslist or a Yard Sale site for quick money. They don’t like dogs with microchips. 

Financial Reasons

• St. Joseph County has a 40% poverty rate and many families can't afford a $35 microchip plus a Vet visit to insert it. Total $70+
• Sometimes the families can't pay the high fees (many times over $150) to get a dog out of the Shelter and it ends up euthanized or adopted to someone else.
• A $10 chip fee is more affordable and is preventive

Phone Number Tags

​If the dog has a 10 digit phone number tag on it, a Good Samaritan will call the number on the tag and reunite the dog right away and no Shelters become involved. 

Planned Program Expansion

• Training for local Veterinarians on proper ways to scan
• Push to have them educate clients on benefits
• Make it a regular program at SBACC
• Encourage Pet Store employees to encourage phone number tags