The absolute horror for any pet owner is to discover their beloved pet has escaped and is now lost. Although so many technologies exist to help re-unite owners and lost pets are out there, the most popular format is a microchip. But many studies are starting to show that there are considerable failures when it comes to the accuracy of a microchipped pet being re-united.

The Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida is frequently asked, “How many cats and dogs are admitted to shelters each year and what happens to them?” To answer this question, the program periodically conducts a statewide census of animals that pass through more than 150 animal shelters across the state.