By Tom Momberg
Several residents of northeast Queens took advantage of a low-cost opportunity last weekend to have microchips administered to their pets. And there are more opportunities in the future for those who missed it.
The “Home Again” microchip technology allows animal shelters, dog pounds, veterinarians and animal rescue organizations equipped with scanners to identify a pet’s owner and their contact information.
“Microchipping itself is something every pet should have. They help reunite pets with their owners every minute of every day,” said Dr. John Charos, president and CEO of Central Veterinary Associates, which sponsored the microchip clinic at Alley Pond Park.
In partnership with the Bayside Animal Clinic and the city Department of Parks and Recreation, Central Veterinary Associates’ Pets and Pals program provides several chances every year to take advantage of the clinic.
Last week’s clinic also served as a fund-raiser. A raffle, rides, games and animal demonstrations allowed Central Veterinary to turn the clinic into a full-fledged Pets and Pals Party, which raised over $2,000 to be split between the Alley Pond Environmental Center in Oakland Gardens, the New York City Veterinary Emergency Response Team and the rescue and adoption center Bobby and the Strays.
Pets were also made available for adoption.
“It’s all a part of our giving back to the community,” Charos said. “We absorb all of the clinical cost on this. The $25 [that pet owners pay for the microchip] is what we pay.”
Those that take part in the clinic also have to pay an $18 registration fee with the company that records and administers the microchip data. But compared to the $85 to $100 vets usually charge for the clinic alone, it’s an affordable option to ensure a pet’s health and safety.
The next low-cost microchip clinic is another family-fun event. Central Veterinary Associates is spearheading its 11th Annual Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 13, at the Fort Totten Parade Grounds at 33rd Avenue and 215th Place.
Again, pet parents will have an opportunity to have a microchip applied to their furry friends for a $25 donation. The event, slated for between noon and 3 p.m., will serve as another fund-raiser. Proceeds will go to the Friends of Fort Totten Parks and the New York City Veterinary Emergency Response Team.
Registration is available on site. For more information, visit www.centr
Reach reporter Tom Momberg by e-mail at tmomb
