Microchips can be savior for lost pets

Without his microchip, the story of Bo the lost collie would not have had a happy ending.

Five years after he disappeared from Northfield, it was that implanted microchip that allowed him to be reunited with the Moeller family of Arlington Heights after he was found in Rockford this week.

The Moellers were reunited with Bo at Winnebago County Animal Services Tuesday. Officials at the Rockford shelter said that, without the microchip, Bo would have been put up for adoption after a matter of days, and eventually euthanized if not adopted.

"(A microchip) is a very, very valuable tool in tracking your pet if for any reason they get lost," said Steve Camp, chief of staff at the Arlington Heights Animal Hospital.

Here are the basics:

• Pet owners can get microchips for their dogs and cats at most animal shelters, veterinary clinics, humane societies and breed clubs.

• Chips generally cost $10 to $50, depending on the quality. They're often included in shelter adoption fees.

• About the size of a grain of rice, the chips are usually inserted in the skin in the back of the animal's neck. The procedure is similar to getting a shot and does not pose health risks to the pet.

• Animals can be microchipped at any age.

• Most vet clinics, shelters and police departments have universal scanners that can read chips from any manufacturer to identify the animal.

• Chips contain ID numbers that can be traced to one of several microchip companies. Owners are encouraged to register their name, address and phone number with the manufacturer, sometimes for an additional fee of about $15. Remember to update if you move. If the owner did not register, the chip can still be used to determine which shelter or clinic would have that information.

• Microchips are good for remainder of the animal's life.