HS works to reunite pets, owners

To the editor:The writer of a letter in Tuesday's edition suggested that the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri often fails to contact the owner of an animal brought to its shelter, even if the animal has an American Veterinary Identification Devices microchip. This is not so.

In this particular case, as soon as the animal control officer arrived with the dog the dog was scanned for a microchip. A phone number was obtained through the AVID system, a call placed and contact made before the officer even left the building. The owner, however, did not come to claim her animal until two days later.

The humane society strives to reunite lost pets with their families. Last year the shelter returned over 300 dogs to their owners. Most families are overjoyed to see their beloved friend again and understand that incidental costs were incurred in boarding their pet.

You can help increase the chances of your pet returning home in the event it gets lost. Be sure your dog or cat has a collar and an ID tag. (There are collars designed especially for cats). Talk to your vet about AVID microchip identification.

DAVID ROTH, President, Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, Cape Girardeau