Animal Services hosting free pet microchipping event

Posted On: November 17, 2020

Implanting a microchip is a simple, inexpensive and pain-free way to recover a lost pet. And on Saturday, Dec. 5, getting a pet microchipped in Volusia County won’t just be low-cost; it will be no-cost, thanks to a one-day free event hosted by Volusia County Animal Services.

The event, which will be from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., also will celebrate the grand reopening of the county’s Animal

Services headquarters to show off the facility’s brand new, animal-themed paint job. The location is 1250 Indian Lake Road in Daytona Beach.

“When a pet goes missing, having a microchip really increases the odds of a happy reunion,” said Volusia County Animal Services Director Adam Leath. “It really is the next best thing to a lost pet being able to phone home and tell its owner where to find it.”

Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are implanted just under the skin. With the wave of a hand-held wand over the pet’s back, the ID code on the microchip will lead to the owner’s name and contact information. For convenience and social distancing, the Dec. 5 microchip event will feature drive-thru service. While residents won’t have to get out of their vehicle, they are encouraged to wear a face covering. County staff will remove the pet from the vehicle and take it into the on-site facility for the quick and painless procedure. Just a few minutes later, the pet will be brought back out to the owner’s vehicle. To expedite the process, those who are planning to get a pet microchipped are asked to print out the consent form and fill it out before arriving. The form can be downloaded here: https://bit.ly/3lELxbz.

Leath said he’s looking forward to a good response from the public.

“Our residents have always been extremely supportive of the programs and services we provide,” said Leath. “This is our way to give back to the community and help people and pets. Whether they’re getting a pet microchipped or just want to come by and check out our new paint scheme, we’re hoping for a good turnout.”

This is the third free microchip event that Volusia County Animal Services has hosted in the last six months.