Dear Mr. KIA: I have a four-month old Siberian Husky that I let loose from time to time and I’m afraid my dog will get lost or stolen. He’s a purebred champion puppy! I’ve read about microchips for dogs that are supposed to be an improvement on the good old method of tattooing them with a number. Should I get it done? And where?—Proud Pup Mum

Dear PPM: A Siberian Husky? In Bangkok? I hope the dog gets kidnapped, and possibly shipped off and sold to an owner living somewhere that doesn’t have a year-round temperature of 45 degrees Celsius. Just kidding. (Sort of.) But, yes, in its infinite largesse, the government actually has a free service at public pet clinics to get your dog chipped—even if it’s a Siberian Husky. Since your dog is no soi mutt, I’m going to throw in a couple private clinics as well. Back to the chip. It’s the size of a rice seed and is implanted under the skin. It contains info about you and your dog, which is why you will need to register your dog first by providing documentation that the dog has been vaccinated, your ID card and your census. Bring all that to your nearest Veterinary Public Health Division and you’re all set to get your canine friend implanted. The procedure is very safe but your dog should be at least four months old.

Veterinary Public Health Division (Mitmitri Rd., Dindeang, 02-245-3311, 02-248-7417. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm). Get the chip and register your dog for free as long as you meet the previously mentioned requirements. There are seven other locations around  angkok—Si Phaya, Minburi, Khlong Toey, Bangkhen, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok Noi, and Jomthong.

Thonglor Pet Hospital (try at Thonglor Branch, 205/5-8 Thonglor Soi 9, 02-712-6301/-4, 02-712-5273. www.thonglorpet.com. Open 24/7) B990 for simply putting in the chip, but if you want them to register the dog with the government for you too, it’s B1,200.

Rama 3 Animal Hospital (99/468 Narativas Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-681-0770/1. Open daily 9am-9pm). Only B600 for the implantation but you will have to register your dog with the government by yourself.