Santa Barbara, Albuquerque offer free microchips

Santa Barbara County Animal Services and C.A.R.E.4Paws are offering free pet microchips throughout June ahead of the July 4 holiday, according to local coverage published June 1. Albuquerque’s Animal Welfare Department is running a similar campaign from June 1 through July 3 for dogs and cats at two city shelters, with no appointment required. Both efforts are aimed at improving the odds of reuniting lost pets with their owners during a period when shelters often see more stray animals around fireworks and holiday travel. ### Where are the free microchip programs being offered? Santa Barbara County Animal Services is partnering with C.A.R.E.4Paws to provide the service across June in Santa Barbara County, KEYT reported on June 1. The report said the county agency and the nonprofit are offering the microchips as part of their annual effort before Independence Day, when fireworks can cause pets to bolt from homes and yards. (keyt.com) Albuquerque’s Animal Welfare Department is offering free microchips at the city’s Westside and Eastside shelters, according to the city and KOB. The city says the campaign, called “It’s Hip to Microchip,” is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. through July 3. ### How long do pet owners have to use each program? June is the full window for the Santa Barbara County program, according to KEYT’s report on the partnership with C.A.R.E.4Paws. (keyt.com) The article said the free microchips are being offered throughout the month in advance of July 4. July 3 is the end date for Albuquerque’s campaign, the city said on its Animal Welfare Department website. (kob.com) The city’s notice says the program began June 1 and runs through July 3. ### What do Albuquerque pet owners need to bring? The City of Albuquerque says no appointment is needed at either shelter. The city also says the person requesting the microchip must be at least 18 years old and present a valid ID, and that the chip will be registered to the ID holder. (keyt.com) The information collected at the time of microchipping is used to help identify the owner if an animal is lost or recovered, according to the city. (cabq.gov) Albuquerque’s notice says owners should keep the contact details tied to the chip up to date so the identification can work as intended. ### Why are these campaigns happening before July 4? July 4 is the focus for both campaigns because the holiday period is associated with more lost pets, according to the local reports and city materials. (cabq.gov) KEYT said Santa Barbara County’s effort is timed to the busy summer season, when fireworks and celebrations raise the risk that pets will go missing. Albuquerque’s campaign is framed by the city as a reunification tool. (cabq.gov) The city says microchips increase the chance that lost dogs and cats can be matched back to their families if they are found and scanned. ### Where can owners go next? Santa Barbara County pet owners can look for County Animal Services and C.A.R.E.4Paws information during June as the partnership continues through the month. Albuquerque residents can go directly to the Westside or Eastside shelters between 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. through July 3, with a valid ID and no appointment required. (keyt.com) (cabq.gov)