Every year hundreds of animals, including turtles and tortoises, break free from their owners and are found at large in San Diego.
The San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) is hosting a special chelonian microchipping event on May 21, just before World Turtle Day on May 23, in hopes of reuniting stray or lost turtles and tortoises to their owners. Walk-ins are welcome from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the San Diego Campus at 5500 Gaines St., and the cost is $40 per chelonian.
Microchipping is a common and popular means of documenting pet ownership, according to the SDHS.
“You’d be surprised how far a tortoise or turtle can wander from their home,” said San Diego Humane Society Veterinarian Daniel Barbour. “The tiny microchip we implant either in their hind leg or under the base of the tail is like an insurance policy, in case your pet should get lost. The month of May is also officially recognized as Chip Your Pet Month, so it is the perfect time!”
In 2021, SDHS took in 178 stray turtles and tortoises. A microchip with current information will help improve the chances of reuniting the reptile to its home.
There are 12 chelonians available for adoption. The SDHS plans to waive adoption fees for those turtles beginning Mat 20 through May 22 in honor of World Turtle Day. The day was created by Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, founders of the American Tortoise Rescue, to help people celebrate and protect turtles, tortoises, and their disappearing habitats around the world.
Visit the San Diego Humane Society’s website to register for the microchipping event. To view the chelonians available for adoption, and find at which campus they are located, visit sdhumane.org/adopt<http://www.sdhumane.org/adopt> and pick “reptile” under the “species” button.
