ASPCA Happy Tails: JoJo Phones Home

On January 11, after a harrowing month spent in Ohio, a pooch named JoJo was returned to his pet parents, Mark and Alejandra Ryan of Manhattan, thanks to his microchip, HomeAgain membership and the ASPCA. HomeAgain is a microchip registration and lost pet recovery service that reunites missing animals with their families.

HomeAgain membership includes travel assistance for pets who are found more than 500 miles away from home, and covers the cost of flying these pets back to their families. “The ASPCA, acting on behalf of HomeAgain, manages these cases—coordinating travel and making connections to ensure that all goes well,” explains Mindy Bough, Senior Director of Client Services at the ASPCA. “It is a special and fulfilling way to contribute.”

No doubt JoJo is grateful. In 2009, the Ryans adopted the friendly Lab mix from an NYC rescue group, and all was rosy until the holidays, when JoJo traveled to Columbus, OH, to spend time with Mark’s family. While Mark and Alejandra were abroad, the energetic pooch bolted from his kennel, causing worried relatives to spend their holidays searching for the missing pup.

“There were several sightings, one on Christmas Day even, but nobody could catch him,” says Katie Lindquist, ASPCA Client Services Associate.

Finally, Franklin County Animal Control officials pinpointed JoJo’s whereabouts and caught the dog with a gentle trap. The pooch was scanned for a microchip, and his microchip number was called in to HomeAgain to identify his pet parents. A teary family reunion followed at the Franklin County Animal Shelter—JoJo was a few pounds lighter and had a minor paw injury, but otherwise seemed healthy and happy. Days later, he flew back to the Big Apple.

Microchipping can often mean the difference between temporary and permanent separation from your furry loved one. All animals who are adopted from the ASPCA Adoption Center come with a free microchip, which is injected under a pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. It’s important to remember that microchips are only as effective as the contact information provided to a company like HomeAgain, so please always keep your address and phone number up-to-date.

For more information about microchipping or HomeAgain member benefits, please visit HomeAgain.com. If you need help locating a furry friend, check out our Tips for Finding a Lost Pet.