ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Microchip identifies lost, found pets

Hawaiian Humane Society

Picasso is a cat who wandered away from his home in Makiki early this summer. His frantic owner put in a lost report with the Humane Society.

Three weeks later, the cat was returned home, thanks to a kind person who found it, discovered the microchip ID number, and called the Hawaiian Humane Society.

Because Picasso was found miles away from home on another part of the island, his identity might not have been discovered without the tiny implanted device.

A microchip ID is a low-cost, permanent form of identification implanted in a few seconds, so if your cat or dog sneaks out or gets lost, a scan instantly reveals his identity and he can be returned home quickly.

Microchip IDs are available yearround from most veterinarians for about $20 or more. During September, and thanks to many participating veterinarians, microchip IDs are just $5.

Animals have an uncanny ability to leap, slip and climb out of enclosed spaces and their collars. Many anxious owners spend hours scouring their neighborhood, posting signs and calling the Humane Society for news of their missing dog or cat. Microchip identification technology lessens the time spent on lost-and-found searches and brings more happy endings like Picasso's. In 2002, more than 2,500 pets were reunited with their owners through lost-and-found reports, many because of microchips.

Also, many pets are returned home right in their own neighborhood in just a few minutes. Humane Society officers can scan an animal that someone has found, get their identity, and return them home without even having to make a trip to the shelter.

Where to go for a $5 microchip ID

Two ways to get the $5 microchip ID for your cat or dog:

Today only from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., bring your pet to the Humane Society for a $5 microchip ID. No appointment is necessary.

Make an appointment during September at any of the following clinics:

• Aina Haina Pet Hospital, 373-2111
• Animal Clinic Inc., 734-0255
• Blue Cross Animal Hospital, 593-2532
• Cat/Bird Veterinary Mobile Hospital, 623-5466
• Companion Animal Hospital, 262-8141
• East Honolulu Pet Hospital, 396-3333
• Family Vet Clinic, 484-9070
• Feather and Fur Clinic, 254-1548
• Hawaii Kai Veterinary Clinic, 395-2302
• Island Veterinary Care, 944-0003
• Kalihi Pet Clinic, Inc., 841-6313
• Kokua Pet Clinic, 843-8382
• Makai Animal Clinic, 262-9621
• Newtown Vet Clinic, 488-3667
• The Cat Clinic, 732-8884
• The Pet Doctor, 733-8828
• Wai'anae Veterinary Clinic, 696-4161

ADOPTABLES

Tag No. 6251

Here is a beautiful long-haired cat who is known to be very sweet. At age 6, C.B. is an active adult cat who might be perfect for someone age 60 or better. Through the Seniors for Seniors program, C.B.'s adoption fee will be waived.

Tag No. 468

Come and meet this lovable gal who is a pretty fawn color with black face and white accents. She is a 2-year-old pitbull mix who would make a good hiking companion. The Paws on the Path group brings people and their dogs together on O'ahu's trails once each month.

These particular animals may have already found new homes. Visit to see all the pets in person. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open from noon to 8 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. The incoming-animals area is always open. If you've lost or found an animal, call the society immediately at 946-2187, ext. 285, or see www.hawaiianhumane.org.