FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — On Tuesday, Feb. 20, Fayetteville Animal Services announced a $1,000 donation from Humane Society of the Ozarks to cover the cost of 100 pets microchipping fees.
Chase Jackson, Executive Director for Humane Society of the Ozarks, said it received this money in a grant from Best Friends Animal Society specifically for spay, neuter, and microchipping programs. He decided to donate it to Fayetteville Animal Services to impact more animals.
"Fayetteville Animal Services made a post after we had a some pretty windy days in Northwest Arkansas, and they had taken a lot of dogs. And none of them had microchips over the course of a week," Jackson said. "I thought there's got to be a way that we can get people on board. And the microchips aren't cheap."
At Fayetteville Animal Services, microchipping usually costs $20, but now anyone in Northwest Arkansas can bring their pet in to get a microchip at no cost.
"It's to help people who maybe couldn't afford the normal cost of a microchip" said Brianna Curry, Animal Services Program Administrator for Fayetteville Animal Services. "A pet having a microchip is the fastest and easiest way for us to get them back to their owner. That's definite proof of ownership."
Curry said they see lots of pets that come into the shelter every day that aren't microchipped. This can lead to overcrowding in shelters and owners missing their pets.
"Pretty much every animal that you see go up for adoption, has incorrect microchip information or does not have microchip," Curry said. "If they don't have a microchip, we'll hold them for five days, while we give the chance for an owner to come forward. If they do have a microchip, we hold them for a little bit longer. So we hold them for seven days while we attempt to contact the owner."
Jackson said working together with other agencies helps a large number of animals all for a common goal.
"The amount of animals that need homes, we're all in it for one reason, there's no common denominator other than ensuring that every single animal in Northwest Arkansas has a chance at a great life, a forever home," Jackson said.
If you want to use this service Fayetteville Animal Service asks you call ahead before arriving.
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