Daytona Beach, FL - The worst thing for a pet owner is to lose their pet. If that ever happens, Volusia County Animal Services wants to make it easier for you to get your pet home safe and sound.
That’s why, this Saturday (Dec. 4), VCAS is hosting a free microchip event from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at their headquarters on Indian Lake Road. In addition to microchipping pets, VCAS is also giving away free pet food—dog and cat food—at the event while supplies last.
VCAS Director Adam Leath says this is the eighth such event his agency has hosted since last June.
“We want to ensure your pets stay with you. And the best way to do that is with a microchip,” said Leath.
Since its inception, VCAS has microchipped more than 1,600 pets during the community events. The microchip itself is about the size of a grain of rice. It’s implanted just under the pet’s skin. With just the wave of a hand-held reader, the ID code on the microchip will lead to the owner’s name and contact information—which is kept in a national database—significantly increasing the odds of a happy reunion.
“Pets are family members. And we want to make sure that families stay together – all the time, and especially during the holidays,” said Animal Services Director Adam Leath. “We have plenty of success stories to show the effectiveness of microchips, and that’s why we continue to provide this free service to the community.”
Animal Services says, for safety and convenience, this will be a drive-thru event. You won’t be required to leave your vehicle, but you are encouraged to wear a face covering. Leath says dogs must remain on a leash and cats must remain secured in a crate. Staff will remove the pet from the vehicle so they may implant the chip in their veterinary clinic before returning the pet to its owner.
To expedite service, Animal Services asks that you print and fill out the microchip consent form before coming to the event. You can find the form by clicking here.
