FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 8, 2005
For additional information contact:
Amy Morris, Community Relations Coordinator, (616) 632-7110
Veronica Constantine, Animal Shelter Program Supervisor, (616) 336-3501
Kent County Animal Shelter Offers High-Tech Dog Identification
(Grand Rapids, MI) -- The Kent County Animal Shelter is giving dog owners the opportunity to have their pets vaccinated, licensed and micro-chipped all in one stop at their annual Microchip and Licensing Clinic.
Micro-chipping is a safe and effective way owners can help ensure their dogs are easily identified. It is a non-invasive procedure where a microchip, containing a special identification number, is inserted under the dog’s skin. Although dogs are not required to be micro-chipped, the Kent County Animal Shelter and other animal care organizations routinely scan lost animals for microchip identification.
The Microchip and Licensing Clinic will be held on Saturday, December 10th, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Animal Shelter, 711 Ball Avenue NE. On the day of the event, the Shelter will be offering $25.00 rabies vaccines (cash only), regularly priced dog licenses, and microchip identification for $10.00. The Humane Society will also be on hand to provide feline and canine distemper shots and canine Bordetella vaccinations for $10.00 each.
As a reminder, dog owners have until March 1st to purchase 2006 dog licenses without penalty. In accordance with Michigan law, all dogs over four months of age are required to be licensed. Dog license fees range from $9.00 to $20.00 depending on the spay/neuter status of your pet. Discounts are available for senior citizens. After the deadline, the cost of a dog license doubles. Dog licenses are available at the Kent County Animal Shelter, 711 Ball NE, city and township offices in Kent County and at the Kent County Health Department, 700 Fuller NE. Dog owners can also renew dog licenses by visiting the Kent County Health Department’s web site at www.accesskent.com/health.
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The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) has been in the business of providing health services to the whole of Kent County since 1931. It is made up of four divisions: Administration, Community Clinical Services, Community Nursing and Environmental Health. The Health Department is home to nearly 325 employees including public health nurses, sanitarians, health educators, technicians, public health administrators and the Kent County Animal Shelter. KCHD operates five satellite clinics located in Wyoming, Kentwood, Rockford, Sheldon Complex, and the Westside of Grand Rapids. To learn more about our services visit www.accesskent.com/health
