James Island, South Carolina – Pet owners in Charleston will face new regulations as city leaders work to enhance cat and dog identification rules.
The city’s public safety committee has proposed that all pets above the age of four months be microchipped or wear visible collar identification at all times.
The proposal also broadens who can execute microchipping procedures, enabling veterinary clinics, animal control officers, and shelter employees to do so under the supervision of a qualified veterinarian.
According to city authorities, the modifications are intended to speed up the reunification of missing pets with their owners while reducing strain on the shelter system. According to the Charleston Police Department, microchipped pets are often returned straight to families before entering a shelter, saving owners up to $500 in reclaim fees.
“It’s a scary situation for an animal to go into the shelter,” says Courtney Bayles, Animal Control supervisor for the Charleston Police Department. “That owner has that peace of mind that their pet is back home and safe, not running around loose on the street, not in the shelter waiting to be reclaimed.”
Bayles, who has fought for the proposal for numerous years, describes microchipping as a minimally invasive technique.
“It’s one quick poke for a lifetime of peace of mind knowing that your pet will be attached to you.” So, if something occurs, if it is stolen or gets loose, it will be returned to you,” Bayles explains.
The City recently established its first public microchip scanning station at James Island Town Hall. Another is scheduled to open soon on Johns Island.
According to officials, the project aims to expand the number of clinics and scanning stations in Charleston.
