Quote:
Originally Posted by Teresamag  Oh, I totally agree. Sometimes people just don't abide by the contract, that's why I have them write the check and I mail the in registration paper (or do it online when the person is picking up the puppy) to make sure it gets done and to make sure my name stays on as second contact. The only reason I put their names first and my name second is because sometimes people move and/or change phone numbers and forget to notify me. If their dog ends up found in a shelter (not turned in) or is taken to a vets office the shelter or office can usually reach the owners and if they can't reach them first they can reach me as second contact person. My puppies may be several states away and it would be better for the puppy if their owner can come pick them up immediately instead of me trying to get them several states away and maybe not being able to reach the owners.
If the dog is an owner turn in at an animal shelter the shelter will not scan for a microchip (because the owner is turning the dog in) so you would not be notified anyway. Unfortunate but true.
I buy my microchips from Avid in bulk (I think it's 25 in each package but I haven't bought any in about 2 years) which makes each chip about $8 each. I also had my vet teach me how to insert them and with his permission I do them at home when the puppy is about 10 weeks old that way the little insertion point has time to totally heal up by the time they go to their new homes. The insertion process just takes a second to be done by me - a person the puppy is familiar with and then he isn't stressed out by a stranger. It's a very easy process and then I don't have to risk taking my puppies into the vet's office where they might be exposed to diseases (they already go at least once for a puppy check up I don't like to risk taking them in too many times). I also register the puppies with AKC's CAR (Canine Animal Recovery) which is $17.50 if done online or $19.50 if done by mail.
Teresa |
I can see the pros and cons of doing it both ways. I do believe that the shelter checks for mocrochips even if it is surrendered by the owner, or someone claiming to be the owner. And I would want to know if my puppies are ending up in shelters.
I know there are other breeders who do it themselves. But I have never even seen it done so I prefer not to try it. They also said I would have to buy the chip reader if I did it myself.