By Claire Lewis

(Photo Courtesy: ipaws.com)
A microchip reader shows this pup is protected.

Chino Hills – Last November, the Chino Hills City Council adopted a resolution making a commitment to eliminate the euthanasia of adoptable dogs, with a goal of becoming a “No Kill” community by Jan. 1, 2016.  Their “Getting 2 Zero” program is at the helm of their commitment, helping to focus on the prevention of animal abandonment and avoiding euthanasia.

In order for the program to be successful, the community will need to be educated, adoption centers will have to become more prevalent, and the provision of low-cost veterinary clinics – including the installation of microchips (now a requirement, along with licensing, for dogs over four months of age) – will need to be made available.  In addition, the sales restriction of dogs and cats at Chino Hills pet stores and the Municipal Code legislation banning the sale of unhealthy puppy mill and cat factory animals also helps to encourage adoption.

The Inland Valley Humane Society has recently adopted a strategy to eliminate euthanasia in healthy and adoptable animals, and a multitude of local cities have been contacted with the request to adopt the policy.  Kudos go to Chino Hills for being way ahead of the game by already introducing this compassionate and common sense approach to the community.

In fact, Chino Hills has launched a dog microchip rebate program as an important component of their “Getting 2 Zero” plan.  Microchips – an easily injectable GPS-like tracker – helps reunite pets that become lost with their owners.  Now a requirement of dog ownership, Chino Hills will provide a rebate of up to $30 for dogs that are properly licensed through the Inland Valley Humane Society, and registered to a Chino Hills Address.

According to the City of Chino Hills website, the dog’s microchip must be registered with the microchip company, and the expenses incurred after Oct. 28, 2014.  This rebate program is funded through the City’s General Fund as part of Animal Control Services.  Residents can bring their dog license paperwork, the microchip receipt and proof of registration to Chino Hills City Hall (14000 City Center Drive).  The rebate check will be delivered in approximately 15 days after approval.

If you are considering becoming a pet owner, or getting a companion for a pet already part of your family, take a look at your local shelter.  There are dogs and cats of every age and breed, just waiting and hoping to become part of a loving home environment.  The City of Chino Hills and the Inland Valley Humane Society have implemented programs to make adoption a viable and positive choice.

Ask your city if they are part of the “Getting 2 Zero” program.  For more information, please contact the City of Chino Hills at (909) 364-2714.