It’s Hip to Microchip

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 am to 6 p., 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 family, and losing them is something no one wants to experience,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Microchipping is simple, free, and can make all the difference in bringing them home quickly and safely.”

Microchips are an easy way to protect pets from being lost or stolen. About the size of a grain of rice, microchips have 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.

“Microchipping is one of the most effective ways to ensure lost pets are reunited with their families,” said AWD Director Carolyn Ortega. “Pairing a microchip with an ID tag gives your pet the best chance of making it home safely.”

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 microchips!

• 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
  • Eastside Shelter: 8920 Lomas Blvd. NE, open Monday - Sunday

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