With fireworks season approaching, LA Animal Services is urging pet owners to take proactive steps to keep their furry friends safe. To help prevent lost pets from crowding shelters this 4th of July, the department is offering free microchipping for dogs and cats to residents of the City of Los Angeles, while supplies last. For those living outside city limits, microchips are available for just $15.
Fireworks often frighten pets, leading many to run away from home. The days surrounding Independence Day are historically the busiest for city shelters. A microchip can mean the difference between a quick reunion and a long, stressful search—or worse, permanent separation.
“Our goal is to ensure every lost pet has the best possible chance of returning home,” said Annette Ramirez, Interim General Manager for LA Animal Services. “Microchips provide pets with a permanent ID that quickly reunites them with their families. And for those already microchipped, now is a great time to check and update your contact information.”
A microchip is a tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, inserted just under the animal’s skin between the shoulder blades. It contains a unique ID number linked to the pet owner’s contact information in a national database. Most shelters and veterinary clinics can scan microchips to identify and contact owners of lost pets.
Pet owners can visit any of LA Animal Services’ six Centers, open Tuesday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and weekends from 11am to 5pm (closed Mondays and holidays), to have their pets microchipped.
To locate your nearest shelter, visit: laanimalservices.com/shelter-search
For more details on microchipping and other services, visit: laanimalservices.com
