World Turtle Day Microchip Clinic May 23 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

In honor of World Turtle Day, San Diego Humane Society is offering a chelonian microchip clinic to help keep these precious pets safe!

Every year, hundreds of animals — including turtles and tortoises — are found lost or stray in San Diego. Microchipping provides your pet with permanent identification. The process is safe, simple and designed to quickly identify lost pets and reunite them with their owners.

Chelonian microchips are $40 per pet. Appointments will be a minimum of 20 minutes, and we ask owners to arrive 10 minutes early to check in. Limited walk-in appointments will be offered on first come, first served basis.

Chelonian Eligibility

• Turtles and tortoises must have shell diameters measuring 10 centimeters or more (approximately 4 inches) to be eligible for microchipping.
• Semi-aquatic turtles must be dry-docked (kept out of water) for at least 24 hours prior to implantation.
• All turtles and tortoises presenting for microchip implantation should be clean and subjectively healthy. Please note that we are unable to provide medical advice or place microchips through dirty or abnormal skin.
• Prior to microchip implantation, an SDHS veterinarian or registered veterinary technician (RVT) will determine the implantation site. Microchips will be implanted into one of two sites: the left hind leg or midline sub-plastron (under the base of the tail under the bottom shell).
• The implantation site will be prepared as aseptically as possible and surgical adhesive (tissue glue) will be applied to assist in the closure and healing of the site.
• After implantation, your turtle or tortoise should be maintained in a clean environment for at least two days. Semi-aquatic species should be dry-docked for at least one full day.

Please note that, as with any medical procedure, there is a small risk of complication. Complications include inflammation (swelling/pain), temporary lameness, infection and loss/migration of the chip. Should you notice any abnormalities with your pet after microchip placement, it is highly recommended that you follow up with your family veterinarian. If you do not have a family veterinarian, we are happy to provide you with a list of local veterinarians who see reptiles on a regular basis.