Community Spay and Neuter (CSN) Clinic Vaccinations: Building next to Bradshaw Shelter
Microchipping Information
Free PAWS (Pet Aid and Wellness Services) Mobile Clinic - Available for unhoused pet owners in Sacramento County offerings spay/neuter, vaccines, microchipping, testing and treatment of medical conditions, pet pantry and supplies.
Free BAAT Clinic: Vaccines, microchips, ID tags, collars, deworming, flea prevention, low-cost spay/neuter vouchers, and treatment of some minor medical issues available for eligible low-income Sacramento County Residents. For details, call (916) 875-BAAT.
Importance of Microchipping: Microchipping your pet can help reunite you if your pet becomes lost. For more details, visit Microchip Pet IDs.
If you adopted your dog or cat from the Bradshaw Animal Shelter, your pet may have been registered through the Michelson Found Animal Registry. Please contact them if you need to update your pet's information at microchipregistry@foundanimals.org and mention the microchip number on file. If you need assistance locating your microchip number, please contact our staff at countyanimalcare@saccounty.net. If you microchipped your pet through VIP Petcare during one of our monthly clinics at the shelter, visit VIPPetcare.com and click on "request pet records" at the top of the page.
What is a microchip? A microchip is a small RFID (radio frequency identification reader) device about the size of a grain of rice that is implanted beneath your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. The microchip contains a unique number used to identify the animal, almost like a social security number for your pet. This number links to your contact information in an online registry that allows shelters, clinics, veterinarians, and humane organizations to contact you if your lost pet is found. The microchip itself does not store your contact information. A microchip is not a GPS. It doesn’t transmit signals. It doesn’t actively do much of anything, really. It sits in your pet and holds a number. What makes the microchip useful is that it can be “read” by another device, the microchip scanner. When a scanner passes over your pet’s microchip, it detects the number and displays it on a screen so your pet can be identified. That is, if your pet’s microchip number is registered in a database. Wait - what? Think of it this way: a microchip is like a social security card. Pets don’t have wallets, so they carry their social security card under their skin. Your social security card contains a unique number assigned only to you, and your pet’s microchip contains a unique number assigned only to them. Your social security number is useless unless it corresponds to your name and information in a searchable database. Same with your pet’s microchip number. The only way your pet’s microchip number and information gets into a searchable database is if it’s registered by you, or the implanter (animal shelter, rescue organization, veterinary hospital).
Does microchipping hurt my pet? A microchip about the size of a grain of rice and implanting it is essentially the same as administering a vaccine. While your pet may feel a little pinch, any pain should be over very quickly. No anesthesia is required. Once the microchip has been inserted, your pet won’t even know it’s there!
Where Do I Get My Pet Microchipped? In addition your veterinary hospital, there are low-cost and free microchipping services available in many areas. Check with your local animal shelter for resources. So now, get your pets chipped and spread the word to your pet-loving friends! The more people know about the life-saving benefits of microchips, the quicker we can lessen the number of pets that never make it back home.
If You Are Bitten by an Animal
If the animal bite is severe enough, seek medical attention immediately and call 368-7387 (PETS) to report the bite. Medical professionals are required by law to report animal bites to the Department of Animal Care.
If no medical attention is required, call 368-7387 (PETS) to report the bite. By law, animal bites must be investigated. Bite investigation does not automatically mean the animal is impounded - it may only mean that vaccination and licenses are verified. This helps us protect public health and safety.
The more information provided about the bite, the better and quicker the investigation can be done.
Information needed:
- Bite specifics - how severe, nature of the injury, if medical care was sought and where, what the results of medical treatment were
- Address of where the bite occurred
- Victim's name and address
- Animal owner's name and address
- Complete description of the biting animal including size, color, breed, and gender
- If possible, the rabies vaccination history of the animal
- If possible, animal licensing information
- Once the bite is reported to us, the owner or the address of reported owner will be visited to verify that the dog has been vaccinated and the vaccination is current.
More about the investigation process...
