AKC CAR Donates Microchips and Lifetime Enrollment
to the Law Enforcement K-9s of Rikers Island

Microchips donated by AKC Companion Animal Recovery were implanted into law-enforcement K-9s at the Rikers Island correctional facility in New York City Friday, January 11, 2008. The microchip clinic was part of a seminar held by Odin's Fund, a nonprofit organization providing free first-aid training to police K-9 handlers.

More than 40 dogs of various breeds, including two Bloodhounds, a Border Collie, a Belgian Malinois as well as an abundance of German Shepherd Dogs and Labrador Retrievers from the New York Corrections Department and the New York City Transit Police K-9 Unit had microchips implanted by Dr. Paul McNamara, chief of surgery at the Hudson Highlands Veterinary Medical Group.

"The American Kennel Club has always been at the forefront of caring for our Working Canines. Whether attending to their health care needs after the 9/11 tragedies or looking after their day-to-day safety, the AKC is always there for Law Enforcement canines," said Odin's Fund board member McNamara. "When I found out that they were initiating the AKC Companion Animal Recovery microchip identification program, it was a very easy decision to work with them to ensure that these extremely valuable canines are even better protected as they protect our communities."

AKC CAR donated dozens of microchips for this event. In addition, all canines implanted - as do all law enforcement K-9s across America - received free lifetime enrollment in the pet recovery service. Director of Club Communications Lisa Peterson represented the AKC at the daylong event, which included canine first-aid lectures, demonstrations, microchipping and AKC CAR enrollment. Dogs were scanned at Rikers Island and their unique microchip numbers enrolled into the AKC CAR pet recovery service which is manned by live operators 24/7.

"Officers are making sure they are prepared for any emergency by learning first aid, and by permanently identifying and enrolling their dogs in a 24-hour pet recovery service that can help locate and return their dog if lost or stolen," said Peterson. "As some of the most important and highly valued dogs in the country it is critical that these dogs be positively identified with a microchip and recovered. Just like these canine heroes, people who value their pets also need to ensure that their dog has a microchip and is enrolled with the AKC CAR pet recovery service."

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