Free Pet Microchipping Event May 2, 2009

The Humane Society for Hamilton County and Monroe Bank will host an adoption and microchipping event at the bank’s Noblesville banking center at 15941 Cumberland Road (corner of SR 37 and Greenfield Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 2nd. The first 100 microchips will be free (limit two per household; normally a $30 value), compliments of Monroe Bank. Dogs and cats from the Humane Society for Hamilton County will also be at the event and available for adoption.

“Each year, millions of lost or abandoned animals wind up in shelters across the country, of which only 14 percent of dogs and four percent of cats are reunited with their owners. The reason for this is that the majority of these animals are unidentifiable,” said Rebecca Stevens, executive director of the Humane Society for Hamilton County. “A microchip is the best way to ensure a lost pet will find his or her way home, and it is incredibly generous of Monroe Bank to offer this service free of charge to the community.

“In addition, we are currently experiencing unprecedented times with our economy, and the number of homeless animals has significantly increased. We are hoping to adopt some of these animals into loving homes.”

Dr. Mary Beth Hastedt, D.V.M. of Hamilton Hills Animal Hospital will be microchipping pets.

The event will also feature refreshments, prizes, and the opportunity to open special PAWS checking accounts. The free account requires no minimum balance and offers free online banking and bill pay, free e-statements and e-mail alerts, a free VISA debit card (subject to credit approval), and access to more than 180 ATMs in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. For each new account opened with direct deposit, the bank will donate $25 to the Humane Society for Hamilton County as part of its sponsorship of the shelter’s PAWS (Partnering Animals With Seniors) program, which is designed to re-home senior pets.

For more information, or to donate to the welfare of Hamilton County’s homeless and neglected animals, call the Humane Society for Hamilton County at 317-773-4974 or visit www.hamiltonhumane.com.

The mission of the Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC) is saving lives, educating communities, and completing families.

About the Humane Society for Hamilton County
The Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC) is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. It is not a United Way Agency, and is not affiliated with any other animal welfare group in the United States. The HSHC also serves as the animal control facility for Hamilton County, and, as such, receives partial funding from Hamilton County. The majority of the HSHC budget is funded by private donors. The HSHC will not euthanize animals for space and time, and will treat sick and injured animals if there’s an outlook for recovery and a high quality of life. Many animals are hit-by-car injured, heartworm-positive, malnourished, or otherwise wounded and/or sick. The HSHC will provide most of these animals with life-saving treatments, surgeries and medications as their best chance for a second chance and until they are re-homed.