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Osan pets must get microchips

  • Published
  • By 51st Medical Group
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  There is a new requirement to micro-chip all pet dogs and cats belonging to active duty military, retirees or U.S. federal civilians or contractors residing on and around Osan Air Base.

On Dec. 1, Brig. Gen. Joe Reynes, 51st Fighter Wing commander signed a policy letter, "Microchip Program for Privately-Owned Animals." On Feb. 13, a U.S. Forces Korea policy letter was published mandating the microchipping of pets on all installations in Korea.

This requirement applies to both newly arriving pets and those already on base. Newly acquired pets or pets that have just arrived at Osan must be registered at the veterinary clinic and microchipped within 10 days.

Microchipping enhances the community's ability to reunite lost pets with their owners. This is an important capability, especially on Osan, where stray animals can adversely impact the mission. Throughout the year, the veterinary treatment facility acquires numerous lost pets, some deliberately abandoned by their owners when they PCS.

Traditional collars and engraved tags can become detached or lost, making identification of who an animal belongs to impossible. Microchipping is a much more reliable means of identifying pets and is one of the best ways to keep family pets out of harm's way.

Secondly, microchipping improves the chances of being reunited with a pet after a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation -- another possible reality for Team Osan members. Real world events such as Hurricane Katrina and the recent NEO in Lebanon revealed the difficulty of reuniting people with their pets after mass evacuation.

Taking a proactive approach to permanently identifying a family pet will maximize the chances of a happy reunion after an emergency situation.

The Osan Veterinary Treatment Facility offers microchipping at a current cost of $20 per animal. Microchipping is a safe and simple procedure, and the entire visit usually takes less than thirty minutes.

Personnel who do not wish to have their pets micro-chipped may be denied use of the veterinary treatment facility, as it is now a mandatory requirement. However, since it will take several months to micro-chip all pets, as long as an appointment is scheduled and kept no loss of veterinary privileges will occur.

Since most pets are considered family members and will take part in a NEO, getting your pet a microchip is just another way to ensure that we're all "Ready to Fight Tonight!"
If you have a dog or cat and they do not already have a microchip, call the veterinary treatment facility before the end of May to schedule an appointment to have your pet microchipped. To schedule an appointment, call 784-6614.