Date July 7, 2014                             

CONTACT: Mary C. St. Mary/Mary.StMary@Erie.Gov

Phone: 716.858.4941/ Mobile: 716.253.3925

Free Microchip Clinic on July 22^nd

Protect Your Pets During a Disaster or if Lost or Stolen

 ERIE COUNTY, NY—The Erie County Department of Health (“ECDOH”) and Department of Emergency Services  is pleased to announce that the Division of Emergency Medical Services & Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response will host a free microchip clinic for companion animals (dogs and cats). Information regarding family and pet emergency preparedness and other animal health issues will also be available.

This event will be held on Tuesday, July 22^nd from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at the Town of Cheektowaga’s Maintenance Garage at 3349 Broadway St. in Cheektowaga.  The Garage is located behind the Cheektowaga Senior Center. 

Erie County encourages residents to include their pets and service animals when planning for emergencies.  In every major disaster government officials are tasked with managing animals that are lost, abandoned, injured, or sick.  “Loose animals can create additional risks of injury and disease to people in the affected area.” said Erie County Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale R. Burstein.  “Microchips will assist public health with investigation into an animal’s health and vaccination history.”

“By safeguarding your pet with a microchip, it greatly increases the likelihood of being reunited with them should you be separated during a disaster” said Erie County Commissioner of Emergency Services Daniel J. Neaverth, Jr.  “In addition, should your pet become lost or be stolen, the presence of the microchip will help bring them back home to you.”

The microchips were purchased with funding from the Department of Homeland Security to fulfill grant requirements for building local animal emergency response capabilities. There is no charge for the owner and no limit to the number of pets each owner may microchip.

The AKC Reunite ^SM microchips include prepaid enrollment into the National Animal Recovery Database and unlimited updates for the lifetime of the pet. There is a limited quantity of microchips available and they will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. All pets must be appropriately restrained with non-retractable leashes or carrier and up to date with vaccinations. For more information on this event, contact the ECDOH at 716.858.7101. 

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For more information:

Erie County Department of Health – www.erie.gov/health

Erie County Department of Emergency Services -- http://www2.erie.gov/disaster/

AKC Reunite^SM – www.akcreunite.org