Residents of Minot Air Force Base had the opportunity to better protect their pets during a Microchipping Clinic hosted by the Minot AFB Resident Council in partnership with the Animal Empowerment League on Saturday, Aug. 1. The event provided an affordable way for military families to have their pets microchipped for just $10 per animal, helping ensure lost pets have a greater chance of being reunited with their owners.

The clinic brought together several organizations dedicated to animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Representing the Animal Empowerment League were Executive Director Kasey Breuer and Animal Welfare Manager Lauren Rogers. In addition to organizing microchipping events, the organization works closely with the City of Minot Pound by taking in dogs, coordinating foster homes, and helping place animals into permanent adoptive homes.

The Animal Empowerment League was joined by representatives from the Minot AFB Veterinary Clinic, who assisted pet owners with registering their animals for veterinary services, and Minot AFB Homes, which helped residents register their pets with base housing. Together, the organizations created a one-stop resource for pet owners, making it easier to complete several important steps in responsible pet ownership during a single visit.
Microchipping provides pets with a permanent form of identification that can be scanned by veterinary clinics and animal shelters if an animal is found. This greatly increases the likelihood of a lost pet being returned to its owner.

During the event, Lauren shared the story of a family whose dog was reunited with them after being missing for five years because the pet had been microchipped. The story served as a powerful reminder of the lasting value of permanent identification.

One family attending the clinic explained they were having their pet microchipped again after the animal’s previous microchip had fallen out. While uncommon, this can occur if the chip is not properly implanted or if the area is disturbed before it has fully healed.

The Animal Empowerment League also offers in-home microchipping services, allowing staff to travel directly to a pet owner’s residence. The service is especially beneficial for cats and other animals that become stressed when removed from their familiar environment. The cost remains $10 per pet, although the organization occasionally offers free or discounted clinics when sponsorships help offset expenses.

The Aug. 1 clinic resulted in 25 pets receiving microchips. Additionally, six pets were registered with Minot AFB Homes, while 10 were registered with the Minot AFB Veterinary Clinic. The event also attracted members from outside the installation, with six off-base pets receiving microchips during the clinic.

Organizers considered the event a success and hope to continue offering similar clinics in the future, with the goal of hosting them on a quarterly basis. Through continued partnerships and community support, the organizations aim to make pet identification more accessible while increasing the chances that lost pets can safely find their way home.