Dog Training, Dog Supplies, and Dog Care

In Elk Grove, Ca, as of September 23, 2009 all dogs and cats must have microchips in order to get their licences, and of course all dogs and cats must have a license or the owner gets fined.

This part of the new ordinance I can agree with.  The cost is approximately $25 to get pets micro-chipped, and they do ask that you contact them if there is any kind of hardship with that cost.  So, it appears to me as though financial issues should not be a problem.  I also understand that many people feel that if you can't afford the $25 microchip, then you can't afford a pet.

There are so many lost pets that "escape" their yards that end up back home do to these microchips.  This is both great for the owner and the pet and nothing but a benefit.  Even most of your vet hospitals that have an animal brought in, will immediately check for a microchip.  This doesn't only come in handy for lost pets, but for stolen pets too.  It is a great way to be able to prove that your neighbor has stolen your pet....trust me on this one.  I know from experience.

The ordinance goes on to say that all dogs and cats that are under the age of 8 weeks must be seen by a vet before sale.  I definitely agree with this.  We always take our pups to have a "well puppy check-up" before going to their new home.  There are so many reasons that this portion of the ordinance is so important to have.  First off, it would stop some people and stores from selling ill pets, this would be a big help to buyers. Secondly, it would also help to protect the sellers from any buyers who are not responsible pet owners.

Now we get to the part of the ordinance that makes me uneasy.  It states that any dogs or cats being placed in ads for sale must have their license number printed also.  Right now I can't put it into words exactly why that makes me uneasy, but it just does.  I feel that this can bring about many problems and perhaps dishonest individuals making claims that they shouldn't.  I personally don't want my "litter" registration number printed in a public anything.  That number is personal, and between me and the new owner...once they have signed their contract.  I guess I'm looking at it a bit like a social security number, something that shouldn't be just out there in papers.  Now, I know that is maybe reaching far, by comparing it to a social security number, but that is the closest thing I can come up with right now.  Call it intuition, and I've learned time and time again that my intuition is always, and sometimes regretfully right.

That is all I have to say about this.  Just as with any ordinance, there are some good, bad, and ugly that has to be worked out.  Let me know your opinions on any of this.

Doggie Hugs and Kisses;

DivaB

http://www.divab-dogs.com