Thousands of pet owners find comfort in identifying their animals with a collar and tag, and now, a microchip ID. The tiny chip is a powerful tool that uses technology to expedite reunions between people and their lost pets.

Normally priced at $25 and up, a pet microchip ID is just $5 from 24 participating O'ahu veterinary clinics during August. The rice-size microchip, encased in medical-grade glass, is implanted quickly under the skin between the animal's shoulders

A collar and tag can be lost, but the microchip ID lasts a lifetime. Additionally, pets like rabbits, guinea pigs and birds that don't wear collars are safely ID'd with a microchip.

So how does this microchip technology work? Each chip has a permanent, unique number. The pet microchip is not so advanced that it can be tracked with a Global Positioning System — the found animal is scanned using a hand-held device. The scanner shows the unique number that is logged in a database of pet owners' names, addresses and telephone numbers and kept at the Hawaiian Humane Society.

As word continues to spread about how valuable this simple device is in reuniting companion animals with their owners, more people are microchipping their pets. The O'ahu database includes information on more than 100,000 dogs, cats, birds, horses and other cherished animals.

The scanning devices come in many shapes and are now fairly common. Most veterinarians have scanners. Hawaiian Humane Society's investigators carry scanners in their trucks. When they find a lost animal with a microchip, they can access the number, call the database, identify the owner and help return the pet home immediately.

UPDATES ARE IMPORTANT

If your pet already has a microchip ID but you have moved or changed your phone number, it's imperative to update your information in the database. Get an update form from any of these clinics, or download one from www.hawaiianhumane.org.

ADOPTABLES

Felix

Tag No. 99685 Got a loving home for an animated black-and-white cat? Felix is your guy! He's neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and has a microchip ID.

Eleele

Tag No. 98594 Another adorable black-and-white pet is Eleele, an active 1-year-old. This medium-size gal is enrolled in the shelter animal behavior program and is learning good manners while she waits for the perfect family to adopt her.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays. For directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, see www.hawaiianhumane .org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals, ext. 2.

PETS ON THE WEB, AN ONLINE COMMUNITY

Our Web feature, Pet Project, is for people who love their dogs, cats and other animals so much they want to show them off to everyone. At Pet Project, you can submit a photo of your pet, read the latest news about pets, learn about new books on pets or join a discussion group with other pet owners in the community. Go to honoluluadvertiser.com /section/petproject and click on the link to be a part of our Pet Project.