PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Roseann Trezza, Executive Director
973-824-7080
March 7, 2008

AHS/POPCORN PARK ANIMAL CARE CENTERS TO HOLD MICROCHIP CLINIC

IT’S ONLY AS SMALL as a piece of rice. But it can find a lost pet.

More and more pet owners are having microchips inserted into their cats and dogs for greater assurance that their companions will be tracked down if they ever leave home. This becomes especially important, in light of the recent rash of purebred dog thefts in New Jersey.

On Monday, March 17, all three Associated Humane Societies Animal Care Centers will sponsor a microchip clinic from 10 to 4 p.m. For $10, AHS veterinarians will insert a small microchip, about the size of a piece of rice, under the dog or cat’s skin. This chip contains identification information that can be retrieved by most veterinarians and animal health care professionals with a computer device, similar to a cash register scanner.

No appointment is necessary. However, if other veterinary services are needed at the time of the microchipping, advance registration must be made and additional fees will be charged. Animal care centers are located at:

· Forked River, Humane Way, off West Lacey Road
· Tinton Falls, 2960 Shafto Road
· Newark, 124 Evergreen Ave.

“This technology helps thousands of pet owners find their missing animals around the nation. It is as important as a pet identification tag or license,” said AHS/Popcorn Park Zoo Executive Director Roseann Trezza. “We insert microchips in all of the cats and dogs that are adopted in our shelters. But we want to open this service to everyone on March 17.”

More than 12,000 dogs, mixed breeds and purebreds, are stolen in New Jersey and more than 2 million nationwide, each year. Pet owners with invisible fencing should be particularly cautious because although the dog will not leave the property, thieves can easily enter the property and steal the pet. In addition, never leave pets in locked vehicles, a common theft location.

Please check the addresses of each of our locations with their contact information for the shelter you'd like to bring your pet(s). Contact us for any additional information.