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Pet Facts
 Estimated Costs of Ownership
Microchips
Did you know?
 An estimated 52 million dogs and 57 million cats live with U.S.
families. - For every human born, 7 puppies and kittens are born.
- One female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in 7
years.
- One female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in 6
years.
- More than 12 million dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters
each year. Millions more are abandoned in rural and urban areas.
- As many as 25% of dogs entering shelters each year are
purebreds.
- Approximately 61% of all dogs entering shelters are euthanized.
- Approximately 75% of all cats entering shelters are euthanized.
- It costs approximately $100 to capture, house, feed, and
eventually euthanize each stray animal -- a cost which all taxpayers eventually pay.
Please help reduce the number of unwanted dogs and cats by spaying/neutering your pet(s). There are many non-profit organizations that offer low-cost spaying/neutering programs if you need financial assistance.
| Approximate costs for a purebred dog from puppy to senior care for a dog who lives 10 years and weighs 50 pounds. |
| Purchase Price (varies widely, it only costs around $55 to adopt a shelter dog) |
$300.00 |
| Vaccinations (taken care of by the shelter) |
$50.00 |
| Annual Physical (taken care of by the shelter) |
$100.00 |
| Heartworm/flea dip/tick treatment (x 10 years) |
$100.00 |
| Annual dental care (x 10 years) |
$200.00 |
| Boarding daily (average 1 week per year) |
$15.00 |
| Town registration (annual) |
$10.00 |
| Spay or neuter, depending on the size of the animal (this is included in the adoption fee of $40 at the shelter when you adopt an animal) |
$100.00 |
| Grooming (once a month) |
$25.00 |
| Dog food (weekly, includes occasional treats) |
$25.00 |
| Fecal exam (helpful for older dogs in diagnosing ailments) |
$15.00 |
| Arthritis medication for older dog annually (x 3 years) |
$150.00 |
| Euthanasia/final costs |
$175.00 |
Lifetime Totals |
$20,820.00 |
- $2,375.00 in the first year
- $1,975.00 annually
- $2,140.00 for older dogs
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By adopting a shelter dog the first years worth of vaccinations, physicals, grooming, boarding, feeding, spaying/neutering, registration are all taken care of. That's a savings of over $1,000 the first year compared to buying a dog!
Microchipping & Rabies Vaccinations Now Offered!
Wednesdays & Thursdays
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Common Questions About Microchips
How long does the microchip last?
The microchip has no power supply, battery, or moving parts. It is designed with an operating life of over 25 years and is guaranteed for the life of the animal. Once injected, the microchip is anchored in place as a thin layer of connective tissue forms around it. The chip requires no care. It does not pass through or out of the body.
How does a microchip system work?
A special scanner sends a harmless radio signal to the tiny microchip that has been implanted under the skin of the pet. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice. Once installed, it sits safely between the shoulder blades of the pet. The animal feels nothing as the chip quickly sends its ID number back to the scanner where it is displayed in the viewing window.
Once an animal is injected with the chip, he can be identified throughout his life by this unique ID number. His identification cannot be lost, altered or intentionally removed.
How do I register or change my information in PETtrac? Is your fee a one-time fee or an annual fee?
PETtrac's registration department can be reached at (800) 336-2843 ext. 4. NOTE: Unlike some competitors, PETtrac does NOT charge an annual fee for chip registration. The fee is one-time for as long as you own the pet.
Does the procedure hurt the animal?
Although the microchip needle is larger than a typical vaccine needle, animals do not over react to it. Anesthesia is not required or recommended. The AVID chip is biocompatible and has a special coating called Parylene C that helps it stay in place.
I have toy breeds/kittens. They are so tiny. Can I use the chip?
Absolutely! We have thousands of customers who have toy breeds. It might help you to know that the same sized microchip and needle are used in animals even smaller than yours... including mice, baby birds, and newly hatched sea turtles.
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