Microchip Identification

The Humane Society of Calloway encourages all pet owners to have a microchip implanted in each pet to provide a safe, permanent way of protecting your pet for a lifetime when it becomes lost. Microchips allow lost pets to be identified at humane societies, shelters or veterinary clinics and greatly increase the chance that your pet will be returned to you quickly.  

The Humane Society regularly holds pet ID clinics in Calloway County where microchips are implanted for $10 each and custom pet ID tags are made for $3 each.

Why should I microchip my pet?
Each year millions of lost and abandoned animals are taken in by animal welfare organizations across the United States. Of these animals only 14% of the dogs and 4% of the cats (estimated figures) are ever returned home. The major reason for failing to reunite a lost pet with its owner is because the pets are unidentifiable. Microchipping offers you the only truly permanent method of identifying your pet and linking the animal back to you, the owner. If you want to improve your pet’s chances of getting home in a lost pet emergency, microchipping is your best option.

What type of microchip does the Humane Society use?
We use 24PetWatch microchips.

How does it work?
A microchip with a unique identification code is implanted between the shoulder blades of the pet. The pet is then enrolled with 24PetWatch’s national database at no additional charge.

The 24PetWatch database is considered by many to be the most dependable, up-to-date database in the industry. When a lost pet is found, we can scan it at the Humane Society, at the Murray-Calloway Animal Shelter, at local veterinary clinics and at most humane societies, animal shelters and veterinary clinics nationwide. The animal’s identification number is called to 24PetWatch (1-866-597-2424) and the pet owner is notified immediately.

When pets are microchipped, they also receive a yellow tag to wear, with their 24PetWatch identification number. The tags alone help identify lost pets, but tags and collars can come off easily. A microchip provides permanent identification that remains in place for the pet’s lifetime.

My pet always wears a collar and tags so why do I need to microchip him?
Collars and tags may be removed or get lost and tattooing can become illegible over time. Microchipping is the only truly permanent method of identifying your dog.

I have a cat. Should I microchip her?
Cats are naturally curious and unpredictable. If they are drawn away from the safety of home, being microchipped gives them the best chance of getting home safely.

How big is the microchip?
The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and cannot be seen after it is implanted in the dog or cat.

How are pets microchipped?
The procedure is simple and similar to giving a vaccination. Each microchip comes preloaded in a sterile applicator. It is injected in a relatively painless procedure just under the skin between the shoulder blades and takes just seconds. After insertion, the body attaches scar tissue to the microchip, which holds it firmly in place under the skin between the shoulder blades. A hand held scanner will display the microchip number when it is passed over the animal's back.

What if I relocate or change phone numbers?
You should receive an enrollment confirmation letter a few weeks after your pet is microchipped. If you move or change your phone number or if your emergency contact moves or changes their phone number, you can update the information at no charge by logging on to www.24petwatch.com. Changes can be made at by calling 24PetWatch at 1-866-597-2424 for only $9.95/year. For this fee the company will also validate your information annually. These services are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.  

What if I have a pet that already has a chip?
Microchips from any provider can also be registered in the 24PetWatch database and 24PetWatch will send you a free ID tag with the 24PetWatch phone number so your pet can quickly be identified when found. Register your previously microchipped pet now.

When can you microchip my pet?
The Humane Society holds pet ID clinics regularly. Check the Events Calendar or contact us at (270) 759-1884 or at humanesociety@murray-ky.net. If you have five or more pets which you would like to have microchipped, please contact us about having us come to your home or farm to microchip your pets. 

Please direct questions or comments about the site to humanesociety@murray-ky.net.