Anderson Animal Shelter, 1000 S. LaFox in South Elgin, will microchip dogs and cats from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, by appointment only. Note that all dogs must be leashed and all cats in carriers. A donation is requested to offset the cost of the microchip and to help Anderson Animal Shelter continue to offer these public programs.

Microchipping is a simple and effective way to make sure that your pet can be easily identified should you become separated. A small microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted under the loose skin on the back of your pet's neck. This microchip, which has an identification number, remains a permanent means of identification of your pet. This provides your pet with a secure proof of identity, unlike collar tags, which can get lost or be taken off.

Your pet is registered on a national database, and a hand-held scanner used at the nearest animal shelter, animal control facility or veterinary clinic can easily read the chip when your pet is found and you will be reunited.

"Only about 35 percent of stray dogs and less than 1 percent of stray cats were reunited with their owners from our shelter last year, and if more had microchips, we know we'd be able to contact worried owners to let them know their pet was safe with us and make arrangements for them to come pick them up," said Michelle Groeper, director of operations at Anderson Animal Shelter.

To make an appointment, call Lesya at (847) 697-2880, ext. *21.