Author Archive: Helen

Here is Avid’s reply:

Hi Helen

Avid is aware of the move by Fl Vets. Each State’s Veterinary Practice Act is unique for their state. For example, California had the same restrictions in their Act but later rescinded that decision.

An Avid representative tesified and answered questions in late ’07 at the FLVMA board meeting on the benefits of microchips.

Mary Metzner, Director
Shelter Operations
Service and Support
Avid ID Systems, Inc
314-487-5842
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Hi Mary,

Thank you for your reply. I’m still left with a couple unanswered and important questions.

What is Avid’s stance on this move by the Florida vets? What actions is Avid taking to back this stance?

How do veterinarians have the power to take such a role as to limit who in society can administer a microchip? Why is that?

Helen

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From: Avidsaveslives@aol.com

To: dobermannrescue@earthlink.net

Subject: Microchip Question

Date: Mar 10, 2008 3:44 PM

Helen, in answer to your recent email, Avid recognizes the independence and authority of each State Veterinary Board around the US that has the authority to set guidelines and regulations pertaining to the practice of veterinary medicine and to define that to protect pets and the public.

Avid has met with the FL Board to discuss proposed regulations concerning microchipping. We presented historical overviews of other states and their actions over the years. Some States regulate microchipping and others do not. I know of no states today that do not exempt shelters for the animals they are microchipping prior to adoption. Most if not all States allow the ‘owner’ of an animal to perform procedures on their own animal. The issue is when privately owned animals are involved and that a fee is charged for these services. My understanding is that this is within the authority of a Veterinary State Board to so regulate these actions.

We feel it is critical that manufacturer instructions are followed for microchipping and have provided that information. Please let me know if you have other questions. I encourage you to let your legislators and the Veterinary Board know of your concerns as a FL citizen and caregiver to animals.

///Mary

Hello Avid and CAR microchippers,

Yesterday, I posted the letter below with a few of my own subdued comments on my Dobermann Rescue blog here:

Rescue needs your H E L P ! by March 17

I am wondering, though, if the people in the companies behind the microchipping are aware of, for or against the proposal by our greedy Floridian veterinarians who want to take all privilges to microchipping away from everyone except them.  That includes all of us in rescue.  So far, all I’ve heard from are other rescuers and the ASPCA. 

Where are you?

What are you doing to help us fight this? 

Is this phenomenon solely due to our greedy Florida vets, or is this happening across the country?

I am going to post your responses on my blog as I, for one, am concerned about the silence from the microchipping companies that we have long-since been working with and would like some help/clarification from you.   

Veterinarians?  Do they have the final word on who injects the chip into a pet?  If so, why is that?

Thank you sincerely for a prompt reply as the issue will be addressed by the Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine just next week, Tuesday, the 18th of March.

Helen

Please take a few minutes to support Florida rescues, shelters, and other animal welfare groups, who diligently microchip the dogs and cats they adopt out in case the animals are abandoned, lost, or stolen. Microchipping is their way home or back to rescue! That’s one of the big things being a rescue. You have a safety net.

Rescues are on a tight shoe-string budget as it is. Passing the task of microchipping solely to veterinarians, as proposed by the Florida Society of Veterinary Medicine, is a greedy move for them to put dollars in their pockets, while taking funds from already stressed out rescues and shelters who will have to pay a vet to microchip instead of being able to do it ourselves as we have been doing. Inserting a microchip doesn’t require a DVM degree, and what this veterinary society is trying to do is outrageous.

Many people have asked over the years, “How can I help rescue?” Here is a BIG chance, we need your help NOW, and it will only take a few minutes of your time.

Here is the e-mail which explains the action to take now.

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Proposed Measure to Strip Animal Shelters & Animal Control Agencies of Their Ability to Microchip Animals

Sponsor(s): Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine

ASPCA Position: Oppose

Action Needed: Please email our letter asking the members of the Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine to reject this proposed measure.

The Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine is currently considering a measure that would strip animal shelters of their ability to microchip animals in their care.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters, microchipping has been identified as one of the most effective methods for reuniting pets with their owners. Microchipping by animal shelters is standard practice across the United States, and it ‘s especially important in Florida–perhaps the state most vulnerable to devastating hurricanes. This vital service that shelters provide to Florida residents and their pets must be protected

Microchips are also a vital tool for animal control agencies, aiding in the reunification of owned animals who are picked up and thought to be strays. They are an important tracking mechanism for animal control officers who must impound animals, oftentimes repeatedly, whose owners irresponsibly let them run at large.

The Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine needs to be reminded that the leading cause of death among pets is not disease, parasites or injury. Sadly, it’s the euthanasia of lost pets who cannot be identified.

What You Can Do:
The Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine will be considering this measure at its March 18 meeting. Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center by clicking here.

From the Advocacy Center you can send a letter asking the members of the Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine to express your opposition to their proposed measure to strip animal shelters of their ability to microchip animals in their care. Please remember that it’s important that you use the space provided to add your own words to the form letter. Decision makers are more likely to pay attention to emails containing individual comments.

Thank you for helping animals and supporting the ASPCA.