Those who are pet owners do what they can to ensure the health, safety and security of their furry friends, and during Microchipping Month at the Moose Jaw Humane Society (MJHS) you can add an extra layer of protection. 

Microchipping your pet is a cost-effective and safe way of keeping track of your pets in the event they go astray, ensuring that with a simple scan they can be returned to you– even if they aren’t wearing a collar. 

MJHS Executive Director, Dana Haukaas, explains: 

“(The microchip) is something that is embedded underneath of the pet’s skin, so it’s not something that can get lost,” said Haukaas.  

“It is a permanent part of the pet after it’s implanted, and with just a quick scan their information comes up and we can call their pet parents to come and pick them up and get them home safely really fast.” 

The procedure is simple and can be done on a walk-in basis at the shelter, which has brought in extra staff to allow as many pets to be chipped as possible. The cost to have the procedure done is rather affordable at $30 per chip. 

The process of returning a lost pet is greatly simplified for the animal receiving the microchip. 

“By the evening the pet is registered to the owner, the information is also stored in our database, and we will always be a guardian on the person’s pet chips,” said Haukaas.  

“If for some reason the owner is away from the phone or out of town, they can reach out to us, and we can take the pet in and hold them until the owner can come to claim them.” 

Haukaas notes that every cat or dog adopted from the Humane Society is chipped before leaving for its forever home. 

Running alongside the ‘Microchip Month’ is the MJHS’ 4 Paws Lottery, which has tickets available for purchase now, with funds going towards the Humane Society. 

Participants can enter to win four $500 prizes or the grand prize of $10,000. Tickets can be purchased by calling the shelter with a credit card, in person, or through the MJHS website. 

Haukaas took a moment to thank the community for its continued support. 

“Our recycling bin is constantly turning over with all of the wonderful donations from the people in our community,” said Haukaas. 

“If you have some cans or bottles and you’d like to drop them off, we’d be happy to take them.” 

MJHS also operates a bookstore inside the shelter and at several satellite locations throughout the city for which they are also accepting donations.  

These funds are greatly appreciated as the shelter continues to fill up with adoptable pets. 

“We are now heading into kitten season, and we have two mamas and their litters in foster care right now and they’ll be coming back in the next week, (or) two months depending on the litter,” said Haukaas. 

Haukaas explains that the shelter currently has quite a few dogs available for adoption, noting a spike across Canada that has left many people unable to keep their dogs, which has driven down adoption numbers. 

“If you have been thinking about adding a dog to your house, you should check out our website because we have some wonderful ones waiting to meet you.”