Dogs Suspected of Being Stolen Reunited Thanks to Microchips
In late November, the Phoenix Police Department requested the assistance of AHS’ Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ and Animal Cruelty Investigators at the scene of an abandoned apartment where there was a squatter with a pair of gray, pit bull mixes.
Our EAMTs immediately scanned the two dogs for a microchip and found that both had recently been microchipped and registered to someone other than the squatter. Thanks to the microchips, AHS was able to contact the dogs’ owner, who was overjoyed to find that the two newest additions to his family, whom he adopted from a partner group, were safe and sound. It is suspected that the dogs – Levi and Cleo – were stolen from the owner.
Levi’s and Cleo’s ordeal is one of more than 5,000 suspected cases of animal abandonment, cruelty and neglect that AHS’ EAMTs assist law enforcement on each year. In addition, AHS EAMTs also respond to more than 5,000 calls for ill and injured stray animals in our community.
Thankfully, Levi and Cleo were unharmed and their owner had the foresight to get them microchipped at their time of adoption. A microchip is approximately the size of a grain of rice and can be administered, in between the shoulder blades, similar to that of one’s pet receiving a vaccination.
According to Homeagain.com, one in three pets will go missing in their lifetime, and without proper identification, 90 percent will never return home. Fortunately, Levi and Cleo aren’t two of those frightening statistics due to their owner’s diligence in getting them microchipped and the quick actions of our partners at Phoenix Police Department, along with AHS’ Field team.
Help ensure your pet has their best chance of returning home should they ever get lost by microchipping your furry friend for just $35 at one of our veterinary clinics.