Albuquerque , NM - Students from Pima Medical Institute's Veterinarian Assistant Program will literally be "chipping in" to help at the Albuquerque VCA Pet Adopt-a-Thon, April 30, May 1 and 2 at the State Fairgrounds, Creative arts Building in Albuquerque . The students will be volunteering their services to implant identification chips in the adopted animals.

The vet assistant students will be joining the Albuquerque Animal Humane Association, North Shore Animal League, City of Albuquerque Animal Services Division , People's Anti-Cruelty Association and New Mexico Animal Friends at the eighth annual event.

The city's largest adoption event will feature separate adoption areas for cats and dogs, with over 100 kennels of dogs and puppies, and an additional 36 cat and kitten kennels filled for adoptions. The fee to adopt an animal during the event is $85 and includes shots, spay/neutering and microchips.

"The Adopt-a-Thon is a great event that helps our students, homeless animals and the community," said Dee Miller, registered veterinary technician for Pima Medical Institute, 2201 San Pedro NE, Bldg 3, Suite 100 . "By implanting the identification chips we can help ensure that once these animals are adopted they can be reunited with their new family if they become lost."

Graduates of the 26.5 credit-hour Veterinary Assistant Program are trained to perform as an entry-level veterinary assistant. Emphasis is placed on small animal techniques. The materials covered include: anatomy/physiology and pharmacology as it applies to animals, assisting in surgery and anesthesia, and medical terminology. Veterinary nursing techniques are covered in depth. Classes are 31 weeks in length and total 720 hours of training. Graduates of this program are granted a certificate. More information about the program is available by calling (505)-881-1234.

PMI is one of the premiere medical vocational institutes in the western United States . The privately owned, accredited school provides students with a well-rounded education embracing theoretical classroom studies, as well as on-site training at medical facilities that mirror the working environment they will pursue after graduation.

PMI has been serving students since 1972, with campuses in: Albuquerque , NM , Mesa and Tucson , AZ; Chula Vista , CA , Seattle , WA; Las Vegas , NV ; Colorado Springs and Denver , CO .