When Ryan Bastinac returns home after a hard day on the training track, his chocolate Labrador Indie is always there to greet him. If that was to ever change, the midfielder says he’d be at a loss.
“I would be devastated if anything happened to Indie. If I got home and found out she’d gotten out of the yard…escaped or run off…it’d be pretty sad,” Bastinac explained.
The 21-year old though is safe in the knowledge that his chances of getting her back would be good, given the fact he’s had her micro-chipped.
“I’ve had Indie de-sexed and micro-chipped and it gives me confidence knowing that if she did get out or stray, I can be contacted by the Lost Dogs’ Home, Vet or Ranger immediately.”
Bastinac teamed up with The Lost Dogs’ Home and the National Pet Register on Tuesday to raise awareness of Pet ID Day which takes place on 12/12 every year.
“Getting a micro-chip is just the start if being a responsible pet owner. You have to make sure the information on it is up to date and accurate. Micro-chipping is the easiest way to safeguard against losing your companion.
“I’d encourage all pet owners to make sure their information is up to date and mark on the calendar for the years to come.”
Bastinac met two lost dogs at Aegis Park; a Shih Tzu-cross and Pomeranian. Both have micro-chips, but their information is outdated and the authorities are unable to contact their respective owners.
The dogs can’t even be called by their names and are instead referred to as numbers.
“A pet without ID or out-of-date contact details is virtually invisible,” said Melaine Robinson, Operations Manager of National Pet Register.
“However, a pet that is micro-chipped and wearing a collar ID tag corresponding to current contact information is visible and will nearly always be reunited with its owner.”
On December 12, groups of dog-walkers will be walking their invisible dogs to the 12|12 HQ located at Queensbridge Square at midday — a symbolic representation of all the dogs across Australia who currently have no identification and therefore no way of being visible to their owners or shelter staff should they become lost.
There, National Pet Register’s Winnebago will be giving away free pet ID tags and helping with all pet identification enquiries.
Micro-chipping Marathon: 12-hours of $12 micro-chipping - more chips, more reunions!
No pet should be invisible. To help promote 12|12 - Pet ID Day, and get as many pets identified as possible, discounted micro-chipping will be available at the following location at The Lost Dogs’ Home Frank Samways Veterinary Clinic
What: 12-hours of $12 micro-chipping! Be among the first to view this state-of-the-art facility (set to open in December) and ensure your pet is no longer invisible. Normally priced at $25, pet owners will receive a FREE National Pet Register ID tag with each $12 microchip.
The Lost Dogs' Home is an official Community Partner of the North Melbourne Football Club.
For more information, visit:
National Pet Register: petregister.com.au
Lost Dogs' Home: dogshome.com
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