MCRS Microchips Foster Rabbits
According to the National Humane Society, over 10 million pets were lost last year. The National Council of Pet Population Study and Policy states that one out of three pets is lost in its lifetime and only one in ten of those is able to be reunited with its owner. Microchipping is a very easy way to dramatically increase a pet’s likelihood of making their way back home.
Beginning in May 2003, all MCRS foster rabbits are being microchipped which will allow for them to be returned to their owners in the case of accidental separation. In addition, in the event that a former MCRS foster ever ends up at a shelter or animal control office, MCRS will be able to step in immediately to reclaim the rabbit.
How does microchipping work? It’s actually quite simple. A small transponder, about the size of a grain of rice, is injected under the rabbit’s skin just between the shoulder blades. The transponder itself is a passive device and is only active when it is being scanned. Each microchip is encoded with a unique, unalterable alphanumeric code at the time of its manufacture. The readers receive the code from the microchip and display it on a screen. Most chip readers will work to read different brands of microchips, so there is no worry that the brand chosen will affect the likelihood of a pet’s safe return.
The most important part of helping the microchip process work, however, is registering the microchip. Without the registration information the microchip is virtually useless. To ensure this important step is taken, MCRS sends in the registration paperwork after each adoption.
While MCRS may someday be able to offer this service to our members, you can always have your own rabbit (or other companion animal) microchipped by your veterinarian.
