Free “Check the Chip”, Microchipping and Pet Tags
ALBUQUERQUE – Albuquerque is a pet friendly city filled with families who value their four-legged companions. Animal Welfare Department (AWD) is blending innovative solutions, care, and community effort, into a month-long campaign that greatly increases the chances of reuniting lost pets with their families.
Microchipping plays a crucial role in pet safety. The importance of maintaining up-to-date contact information is a small price to pay compared to the heartache of permanent separation.
Starting now and through the end of March, AWD is offering Free “Check the Chip,” microchipping and pet tags at the Eastside and Westside shelters, a lifesaving reminder to ensure pets are microchipped and tagged with current contact info. No appointment is needed.
“An unregistered or outdated microchip is like a lighthouse with no light; its potential to guide is lost," said Animal Welfare Department Director Carolyn Ortega. “During “Check the Chip”, I’m urging all pet owners to take an essential step of ensuring your pets’ chips are registered and/or updated with current contact information. This is a lifesaving act that can make the difference between despair and a joyful reunion with your beloved pets.”
When updating or verifying, ensure that your contact details, including phone number(s) and address(es), are accurate with your pet’s microchip. Be sure to add an emergency contact, as well. You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid ID to microchip your pets. The microchip will be registered to the ID holder.
“Our pets are part of the family, and getting separated from them is something none of us would ever want to go through,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This simple act increases the odds of pets getting home quickly and safely.”
AWD’s “Reunite” microchipping scanner program has 36 locations making it convenient for a good Samaritan finding a lost pet and needing a place to scan the microchip. Microchip scanners are placed at 22 fire stations, 7 APD substations and 5 local businesses throughout the city of Albuquerque. Click here for microchip scanner locations. However, this only works if microchip information is up to date.
Share this information with fellow pet owners and encourage them to take-action. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of countless pets and their families.
For more information and locations click here.