HUMBOLDT — Humboldt went to the dogs Wednesday — in a good way.
Allen County Animal Rescue Facility, in cooperation with the city, held a canine clinic in Hunter Park, where dogs were given rabies vaccinations and owners had opportunity to register and tag their pets.
Some owners took advantage of the technology to have microchips placed in the scruffs of their dogs’ necks. The needle-shaped chips were inserted with a hypodermic needle.
The next step for owners is to register their animals with the chip manufacturer by phone or computer.
A hand-held scanner can read the information stored in the chip, helping identify the owners of a dog who has gone astray.
Humboldt police officers have a scanner, as does ACARF staff.
Andi DePriest, ACARF director, hopes the technology becomes widespread.
The Humboldt clinic was the first conducted by ACARF.
“Hopefully it won’t be the last,” DePriest said. She has contacted other cities, including Iola, about staging similar events.
Humboldt Administrator Larry Tucker lauded the event, noting that it gave dog owners a quick and easy one-stop opportunity to have their pets vaccinated and to purchase registration tags.
Dr. Meghan Vorhees, with Animal Medical Center in Chanute, administered the rabies vaccinations.
Clinic aids dog owners
