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PrintProtecting Your Pet: Microchip
Every hurricane season, we hear of pets being separated from their owners. But there is one way to increase the likelihood of finding your furry friend. In tonight's Protecting Your Pet, health specialist Marilyn Mitzel shows us the latest advances for animals.
WSVN--Dog from movie "Homeward Bound": "Will you look around? We're in trouble. Home is not that way, can't you smell straight?"
In the movies or in real life - being lost is frightening for pets and their owners.
Amanda Goldstein: "When she gets lost, my heart is broken."
Like many animals Purdy often makes a run for it.
Kim Goldstein: "One of the kids left the door open. She got out. I was distraught. I couldn't sleep. I couldn't eat. The thought of her being hurt or being dead."
You'll have a better chance of getting your animal back if they're wearing a collar with their name and number. But they can fall off or be removed. There's one sure way to prove they're yours'.
Dr. Steven Paul: "You have a little micro-chip and it's about the size of a rice kernel, that's injected under the dog's skin, generally in the area of the shoulder blade.
The microchip contains the owner's name, address and phone number. Beverly is having Dakota microchipped today.
Beverly: "Because you never know with people today, somebody might like her ((laughs))...and I want her back."
Dr. Steven Paul: "Generally this is real important during hurricane season if your dog got away from you."
Dr. Steven Paul: "Here ya go."
All vets and animal shelters have scanners that can read the microchips.
Dr. Steven Paul: "And there it is."
Dr. Steven Paul's Patient: "Oh my god that is so cool."
The last time Purdy escaped she was snatched up by another family.
Kim Goldstein: "They were actually boarding her for a trip, and kind of checking her in, and getting her set up to be in their family."
An alert vet knew Purdy belonged to the Goldstein's - scanned her and called them.
Kim Goldstein: "That microchip was the single only reason why she was returned to our family"
Cat from movie "Homeward Bound": "Isn't that the most beautiful sight you've ever seen?"
Dog from movie "Homeward Bound": C'mon you two, let's go home!"
Soon Purdy was homeward bound too.
Amanda Goldstein: "My best friend is Purdy. My special thing about life is my dog."
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: mmitzel@wsvn.com
Dr. Steven Paul
Wiles Road Animal Hospital
7460 Wiles Road
Coral Springs
(954) 752-1879