Lee County Domestic Animal Services has new hours for its weekly Pet Microchip ID Clinics for Lee County residents.
Staff veterinarian, Peter Davis, DVM, will be available from 10 a.m. to noon every Friday. Microchip IDs will be offered for just $15 or $5 with proof of public assistance.
This service is being provided by LCDAS to give Lee County pet owners the option of having their pets microchipped to qualify for reduced pet license fees. Prior to Jan. 1, pets were only required to be sterilized for the reduced fee. A list of private veterinarians and low-cost clinics is available online at www.LeeLostPets.com for anyone who wants their pets sterilized and microchipped. All pet owners, therefore, have affordable options for both procedures.
A microchip ID is a small computer chip implanted by injection under the pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. When scanned, the chip’s unique number will identify the owner. Because microchips cannot be removed or lost like collars and tags they are the best means to insure your pet will be returned if lost.
While microchips and sterilization are not mandatory for pets, the county hopes to encourage more pet owners to do both by offering discounted license fees for pets that are. Just like sterilization reduces the number of pets that enter shelters, microchips reduce the amount of time pets spend in shelters because their owners can be immediately identified. Only 13 percent of pets entering Lee County’s shelter are claimed by owners due to lack of identification. Microchips not only save lives but also taxpayer dollars that would be spent caring for these pets during their stay.
For more information about pet licensing, microchip clinics, or pet sterilization call Lee County Domestic Animal Services at (239) 533-7387 (LEE-PETS) or visit the agency’s Web site at www.LeeLostPets.com .