Pet Preparedness
Many residents have canine and feline pets. A tragic lesson learned from Hurricane Katrina was the unprecedented number of victims who chose to remain (and subsequently suffer) with their pets rather than accept rescue that left pets behind. MVEST acknowledges this attachment and strongly encourages residential pet-owner preparedness. The Pet Preparedness Team works closely with the Humane Society. Their main task is educational as onsite care of a large number of pets cannot be managed by MVEST volunteers.
MVEST Message for Pet Guardians
The most secure way of identifying your pets is by having them microchipped. A tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice is implanted in a procedure no more painful than a routine vaccination, and in fact, many pets don’t even seem to feel it.
As part of our Park’s emergency plan, we also want to make sure our pets will be safe.
Microchip Identification
The most secure way of identifying your pet is by having him or her microchipped. A tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice is implanted in a procedure no more painful than a routine vaccination, and in fact, many pets don’t even seem to feel it. Your name and phone number will be registered under the microchip’s unique number, and if your pet is lost and taken to a vet, clinic, or animal shelter, he or she will be scanned with a safe “wand” that reads your contact information. You can then be notified and reunited with your faithful friend. Many wonderful “happy endings” have occurred due to animals being microchipped.
Microchip Vouchers Through January
The Marin Humane Society, at 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd. in Novato, is offering microchips for dogs for $25. Cats are currently being microchipped for free, thanks to a generous donor. If you feel you cannot afford the $25 fee, you can contact MVMCC residents Susan Harper at 415-342-4807 or Serena D’Arcy Fisher at 415-506-4235, or stop by the front office and see Matt Greenberg for a special voucher that will enable you to get the microchip for $10 per dog (a $15 discount). If you are unable to afford $10, please present the voucher to the Humane Society and ask them to kindly waive the fee altogether. The voucher is valid through the end of January 2016.
Marin Humane Society
The Humane Society is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., no appointment necessary. Be sure to take in your dog on a leash and cat in a carrier to the main shelter entrance.
If you need assistance, or need someone to come to your home and provide the service, please call Susan or Serena.
SHARE — Pet Care Assistance
The Marin Humane Society also offers pet care assistance to low-income seniors at least 62 years old. This SHARE (Special Human Animal Relationships) program might include delivery of pet food, transportation to the veterinarian, dog walking, pet grooming, litter box maintenance, or emergency boarding of pets in the event of a client’s hospitalization. Pets must be spayed or neutered. More information can be found on their website: www.marinhumanesociety.org, or you can call Annie Humphrey at 415-506-6255. If you feel you might qualify, you can fill out the application found on the website, or call Susan Harper at 415-342-4807, and I will deliver a packet to you with more information and an application.
The SHARE program is supported by private contributions to MHS. If you would like to donate to this program, pet food deliveries to the shelter are welcome. ■
by Susan Harper
Echo, January 2016, pg.6