PACC Hosts Daily Free Microchip Events Until January 5!

Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) is launching a free microchipping campaign for pets from November 27 to January 5. The initiative aims to help reunite lost pets with their owners in the wake of the holiday season.

Residents of Pima County can take their dogs and cats to PACC’s Pet Support lobby during regular business hours to receive the microchip. As PACC reported, pets equipped with microchips are nearly three times more likely to return home than those that are not. Alarmingly, out of approximately 10,000 stray animals taken in by the shelter this year, only 15 percent had a microchip or identification tag.

PACC Director Monica Dangler emphasized the importance of this service, particularly during the hectic holiday period marked by increased visitor traffic and New Year’s fireworks. “By chipping your pet, you’re not only improving their chances of returning home but also contributing to the management of shelter overcrowding,” she noted in a press release.

In a related effort, Pinal Animal Care and Control is also offering free microchipping for pets belonging to Pinal County residents. Audra Michael from the Pinal County shelter remarked, “Pets don’t understand county lines. We’re hopeful that by partnering with PACC on this effort, we’ll be able to get more Southern Arizona pets back to their families, where they belong.”

PACC’s Ajo substation will provide free microchipping services on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., as well as on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The main facility, located at 4000 N. Silverbell Rd., operates Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday from 1:30 to 7 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information on available pets and services can be found at pima.gov/animalcare.

Note: PACC will be closed on the upcoming Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving.