Chicago Sees Surge in Pet Microchipping Amidst Pandemic

Chicago Sees Surge in Pet Microchipping Amidst PandemicChicago Sees Surge in Pet Microchipping Amidst Pandemic As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the daily lives of Chicagoans, an unexpected trend has emerged: a surge in pet microchipping. According to data from the Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC), the number of microchips implanted in dogs and cats has increased significantly since the pandemic began. The Impact of the Pandemic The pandemic has had a profound impact on pet ownership in Chicago. With people spending more time at home, many families decided to adopt or foster pets for companionship. However, this increase in pet ownership has also led to concerns about lost or stolen animals. “During the pandemic, people were moving more frequently, and with all the chaos, pets were being left behind or getting lost,” said Susan Russell, director of marketing and communications for the CACC. “Microchipping became more important than ever to ensure that these animals could be safely reunited with their families.” Microchipping Benefits Microchipping is a permanent and reliable method of identifying lost pets. A microchip is a small, implantable transponder that contains the pet’s unique identification number. If a lost pet is found, a veterinarian or animal control officer can scan the chip to retrieve the pet’s information and contact its owner. “Microchipping is the best way to ensure that your pet will be returned to you if it gets lost,” said Dr. Alicia Evans, a veterinarian at the Animal Care League of Chicago. “It’s a relatively inexpensive procedure that can save you a lot of heartache down the road.” City’s Response In response to the surge in demand for pet microchipping, the CACC and other animal welfare organizations in Chicago have ramped up their microchipping services. The CACC now offers free microchipping for all pets adopted from their facility. “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to microchip their pets,” said Russell. “It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in the life of your furry friend.” Recommendations for Pet Owners Experts recommend that all pet owners microchip their animals, regardless of their age or lifestyle. It is especially important for pets who are allowed to roam outside or who travel frequently. “Microchipping is a simple and effective way to protect your pet,” said Evans. “It gives you peace of mind knowing that if your pet gets lost, you have the best chance of getting it back.”