REP LIEU Introduces BILL to HELP Families Reunite WITH LOST PETS

June 16, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON D.C. — Monday, June 15, Congressmen Ted W. Lieu (D – Los Angeles County) introduced The Keeping Pets and Families Together Act that would establish a program within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to encourage the microchipping of dogs and cats in shelters with the goal of quickly returning missing pets to their families. “When my family adopted our rescue dog, Abbot, our lives changed for the better. The thought of losing our furry family member is unthinkable, which is why I’m so glad we were able to microchip Abbot. Now if he ever got lost or stolen, his microchip would help us find him again. I want other families to feel that same sense of security,” said Congressman Lieu. “I’m pleased to introduce The Keeping Pets and Families Together Act to fund microchipping services in animal shelters. With this legislation, we can help lost pets find their ways back home.” According to the American Humane Association, roughly one-third of all pets will become lost at some point in their lifetime, and many of those animals end up in shelters. However, a study by the American Veterinarian Medication Association found that almost three-fourths of all lost or stolen animals with microchips are located and many eventually reunited with their families. Support for this legislation: “The AVMA-endorsed Keeping Pets and Families Together Act would enhance the capability of animal shelters to microchip cats and dogs,” said Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, President of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “As veterinarians, we highly recommend microchip identification to all pet owners and animal shelters. A microchip can be lifesaving if a pet is ever lost, and it greatly increases the chances of a lost pet being reunited with its owner. We thank Rep. Ted Lieu for his leadership on this issue and for introducing the Keeping Pets and Families Together Act.” “When a lost pet enters a shelter, a microchip can mean the difference between a joyful reunion and a permanent loss. The Keeping Pets and Families Together Act will help more pets return to their loving homes, spare families the heartbreak of separation, and provide shelters with the resources they need to reconnect animals with the people who love them,” said Judie Mancuso, Founder and President, Social Compassion in Legislation “There’s nothing more heartbreaking than people desperately trying to find lost pets. Microchipping is a simple solution to help the millions of cats, dogs and other pets that end up missing each year,” said Sara Amudson, president of Humane World Action Fund. “The Keeping Pets and Families Together Act is a pivotal step in ensuring that more pets have a safe and speedy return home.” This legislation is endorsed by: Humane World for Animals, Humane World Action Fund, Animal Legal Defense Fund, American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Social Compassion in Legislation, and American Veterinary Medical Association. Issues : Environment & Animal Welfare