Every year millions of dogs and cats are displaced from their owners. They may sneak out of the house,  stroll around the neighborhood and become lost or even worse be displaced by a natural disaster.   

Two very simple and inexpensive ways to protect your pets are providing them with a microchip and with a dog license.

The first way to protect your dog or cat is to have a Microchip:

What is a microchip?  It is a little circuit about the size of a piece of rice that is inserted between the animal's blades and neck with identifying information. If your pet gets lost and is taken to a vet clinic or animal shelter, your pet will be scanned for a microchip to reveal his unique ID number. That number will be called into the pet recovery service, and you will be contacted using the contact information on file with your pet’s microchip.

Where do I get a microchip for my pet? Your veterinarian can insert one for you and most shelters and adoption agencies will put a chip in a pet once they have taken the animal into their care.

How is the microchip read?  There is a scanner that vets, shelters and most animal control officers use that they scan over the back of the animal.  This provides the necessary information to help reunite the pet with the owner.

Will it hurt the pet when the implant is install?  No not at all.  It is inserted with a syringe and feels like a little pinch. 

How much does it cost?  The prices range from $20.00 to $40.00. 

Does North Andover Animal Control have a microchip scanner ?  Yes Animal Control Officer Amy McCarthy does have a scanner. Infact,  Hopkinton Drug and the Massachusetts Animal Coalition have donated a microchip scanner to North Andover Animal Control Officer Amy McCarthy in December 2012.  http://northandover.patch.com/articles/animal-control-officer-gets-microchip-scanner  

The second way to protect your dog is the town dog license:

Why do dogs have to  be licensed? Massachusetts law requires that all dogs over the age of four months be licensed as a rabies control measure. The dog license also lets the town know if your pet is currently vaccinated against rabies. Rabies? With the amount of wildlife moving inward to our communities this is another protective measure to ensure the safety and health of your dog.  Also, making sure your dog has its current license attached to its collar will help greatly to having your dog returned to you in case he becomes lost, or gets out of your yard.

My dog never leaves my property why do I have to buy a license? Massachusetts law requires that every dog four months of age or older must Have a current license attached to its collar. Even dogs that “never leave the house” or are “indoor only dogs” must be licensed. Dogs have a way of getting out through accidentally opened gates, sneaking out the door or human error where people forget to turn on those electric fences.  Although natural disasters are not the norm it our area, if we do have a hurricane, earthquake, major snowstorm or flood, your dog may flee for his safety and leave your property. Having a dog license on his collar will help reunite your lost pooch
to you. 

Where do I go to purchase my license? The Town of North Andover sells licenses Monday thru Friday 8:30 to 4:30 at the Town Hall. For other towns and cities please check on your town websites for times and locations.  Your dog must be up to date on his rabies shots before obtaining a license. Please bring this paperwork with you when you apply for your dog license.  If this is a renewal, your Vet has probably already sent your updated information to your town and all you will need to do is mail in your check to receive your new license. 

Dog license fees:  North Andover is $20.00 please refer to your town website for your local fees. 

Due date:  North Andover WAS due  February 1, 2013 but the town will
still accept your request. 

Tracey is the owner of Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care and may be contacted at 978-697-6571 or www.wigglewalk.webs.com on facebook at www.facebook.com/wigglesjigglespetcare