Ames Animal Shelter Microchip Clinic is Saturday

The Ames Animal Shelter has partnered for a second year with veterinary students from the ISU Shelter Medicine Club to host a microchip clinic for Ames dog and cat owners from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, at the Ames Water Plant, 1800 E. 13th St.

As a convenience for pet owners, this microchipping event will be held as a drive-up. Owners will remain in their vehicle, and animals will be transported to the microchip implant stations and back to the vehicle. The cost to microchip a cat or dog is $10, which includes lifetime registration. Participants must be Ames residents and there is a limit of three animals per address. Those interested should submit an appointment request at: www.CityOfAmes.org/Microchip

Microchipping a pet is a permanent form of identification that injects a small microchip under the animal's skin. Unlike a collar or tags, microchips cannot be lost or removed. The microchipping will be conducted by veterinary students under the supervision of an ISU veterinary professor and Shelter staff.

"When an animal arrives at the shelter, the first thing we do is scan for a microchip," said Ames Animal Control Supervisor Ron Edwards. "The microchip helps us locate pet owners and can confirm ownership if there is confusion about where a pet belongs. From our experience at the Shelter, we know that getting your pet microchipped is the best way to ensure a lost pet is returned."

This is the third time the Ames Animal Shelter has offered a microchipping clinic. If the response is greater than the appointments available, Shelter staff will consider hosting another clinic in the fall.

The Ames Animal Shelter, located at 325 Billy Sunday Road, continues to be open by appointment only for animal adoption. For other services or more information, call the Shelter at 515.239.5530.