Carrington College Sacramento Supports Microchip Day at the State Capitol
Microchipping is one of the most effective ways to help our pets in the event they become lost or separated, but many have never undergone this simple process. California Senator Ling Ling Chang (R-Diamond Bar) recently introduced legislation (Senate Bill 64) requiring all municipal animal shelters to microchip any pet that is adopted or claimed by an owner.
In honor of this new legislation, Veterinary Technology program students from Carrington College in Sacramento assisted with microchipping pets at no-cost during Microchip Day at the California State Capitol. Veterinary Technology instructor Dr. Janelle Emmett helped to coordinate with the students and the event included Senator Chang, Sacramento
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), California Registered Veterinary Technicians Association (CaRVTA) and Michelson Found Animals Registry.
“Our pets are part of our family, and we dread the thought of them becoming lost or separated,” said Senator Ling Ling Chang, who sponsored the event. “I’m proud to work with partners and advocates to provide microchips for free and raise awareness about SB 64, which would help reunite pets with owners, significantly reduce the number of euthanized pets, and save taxpayer dollars.”
Kenn Altine, CEO of the Sacramento SPCA, added, “A simple, quick procedure to implant a microchip makes all the difference when an animal is lost by accident or as the result of a natural disaster.”
The bill is expected to save taxpayer dollars while reducing the number of dogs and cats that are euthanized. Microchips are the most reliable source of identification for animals. When a pet is found by an animal shelter or vet, a scanner will detect the microchip and the unique ID number with the owner’s contact information.
“When lost pets are found, microchipping allows them to be returned to their families, instead of left to languish in a shelter. We’re proud to be joining Senator Chang and advocates from across the state to offer this necessary service for pet owners,” added Judie Mancuso, Founder and CEO of Social Compassion in Legislation, who is the sponsor of SB64, the pet microchipping bill.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 6.5 million dogs and cats enter animal shelters every year1. And each year, 1.5 million dogs and cats are euthanized1. This means that every hour, 171 animals are being put to death1.
“As registered veterinary technicians, we have witnessed the joy of reuniting lost pets with their families through microchips. Unfortunately, we have also witnessed the heartbreak of lost pets never finding their way back home because they could not be identified. I’m glad this event is seeking to make that far more rare,” concluded Nancy Ehrlich of the California Registered Veterinary Technicians Association.
Microchip Day was held at the California State Capitol Building, East Lawn Area, on Tuesday, April 2, 2019. Supporters from the local community, including FOX40 News, attended the event as well.
Are you interested in training to become a veterinary technician? Check out information on Carrington College’s Veterinary Technology program:
1https://www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics