Microchips, pet food and more at free Animal Services event on May 22

Posted On: May 11, 2021

It will be one-stop shop for people and their pets on Saturday, May 22, with everything from pet microchips, pet food and a rabies vaccination available. And it’s all free, courtesy of Volusia County Animal Services. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Volusia County Animal Services headquarters, 1250 Indian Lake Road, Daytona Beach.

This will be the fifth free community event that Animal Services has put on since last June, although this is the first to include pet rabies vaccinations. While most people in past events have brought in dogs or cats to get microchipped, the Animal Services staff has also seen their share of some more unusual pets, such as pot belly pigs and bearded dragons. On May 22, Animal Services is encouraging residents to also get their reptiles microchipped. It’s part of a new Florida Wildlife Commission initiative called Tag Your Reptile Day. The program aims to microchip non-invasive species such as tegu lizards and green iguanas for proper identification of pet and owner. About the size of a grain of rice, microchips 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.

“We’re delighted to be able to put these events on for our residents,” said Volusia County Animal Services Director Adam Leath. “While enforcing laws and ordinances pertaining to animals is an extremely important part of what we do at Animal Services, it’s not all that we do. We provide programs and services aimed at helping people and pets in our community. And that’s what these community events are all about.”

For safety and convenience, this will be a drive-thru event. While residents won’t have to get out of their vehicle, they’re encouraged to wear a face covering. Those bringing a pet to the event for a microchip, rabies vaccine or both should have their dogs on a leash and cats secured in a crate. Staff will remove the pet from the vehicle for the desired service and then return the pet to its owner just a few minutes later. Animal Services microchipped more than 1,000 pets during the previous four events.

“Every pet, whether furry or scaly, deserves to be reunited with its owner,” said Leath. “Should it ever become lost, a microchip is the best way to ensure that we can return your pet to you safe and sound.”

To expedite service at the event, microchipping and vaccinations forms can be printed and filled out before arrival. The microchip consent form can be downloaded here: https://bit.ly/3lELxbz.

The rabies vaccination authorization and release form can be downloaded by clicking on the link below: