It’s Hip to Microchip
ALBUQUERQUE — The City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department (AWD) is offering FREE microchips for dogs and cats. AWD’s It’s Hip to Microchip campaign runs June 1 through July 3, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Westside and Eastside shelters. No appointment is needed.
You must be at least 18 years old with a valid ID to microchip your pets. The microchip will be registered to the ID holder. Information you provide at the time of microchipping will help locate you if the animal is ever lost or recovered. It is essential to keep the details linked to your pet’s microchip up-to-date so they can be successfully identified.
“Our pets are part of the family, and getting separated from them is awful,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This simple act increases the odds of getting them home quickly and safely.”
An easy way to protect your pet from being lost or stolen is microchipping them. Microchips are tiny computer chips, about the size of a grain of rice, with a unique serial number that can be scanned and matched to a database holding the owner’s contact information. However, this only works if microchip information is current.
“Having both microchips and ID tags is the best way to keep your pet safe if they become lost,” said Animal Welfare Department Director Carolyn Ortega. “If you haven’t already, take care of these simple measures today to prevent the tragedy of not reuniting with your pet.”
AWD’s Reunite microchipping scanner program has 36 locations, making it convenient for those who find a lost pet to locate its owner. Microchip scanners are at 22 fire stations, seven APD substations and five local businesses throughout Albuquerque. Click here for locations.
Let’s take action and get hip to microchipping our pets!
Who: City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department
What: Free microchipping for pets
When: June 1 through July 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Westside Shelter: 11800 Sunset Gardens Rd. SW, open Tuesday - Sunday (closed Mondays)
Eastside Shelter: 8920 Lomas Blvd. NE, open Monday - Sunday