How To Get Your Pet Microchipped For Free In North County

OCEANSIDE, CA — North County pet owners can get their pets microchipped for free in October, thanks to the San Diego Humane Society.

The nonprofit organization is offering free pet microchips and registration during its "Chip n' Treat" campaign Oct. 3-31 at shelter vaccine clinics. This is the Humane Society's first-ever Chip n' Treat, but the organization has hosted other seasonal promotions for free microchips in the past.

"Microchips are such an important tool in keeping our pets safe and offer the only form of permanent identification," Humane Society spokesperson Jordan Frey told Patch.

"If a lost pet is found, this is the first thing we check for to facilitate a speedy reunion with their owners," Frey said. "Getting a microchip is a quick and easy way to show love for your animal companions and keep them protected."

The nonprofit generally has more strays entering its shelters from Halloween through the winter holidays, according to Frey. From October through December 2022, the Humane Society took in 4,388 stray pets, which was an increase of almost 18 percent compared to 2021.

That's why the organization routinely offers microchip clinics. In the last three months, the Humane Society provided an average of 378 microchips per month for owned pets through its vaccine clinics, Frey said. This does not include additional microchips that were provided through the Community Veterinary Program's mobile clinics and community events. Additionally, dogs and cats in the Humane Society's care are given a microchip before they are adopted into new homes.

During the vaccine clinics, a microchip about the size of a grain of rice is injected beneath the surface of the pet's skin between the shoulder blades to provide a permanent form of identification. The process is similar to a routine shot and takes a few seconds, according to the Humane Society. No anesthetic is required.

Frey reminded pet owners to make sure their pet's microchip information is up to date.

"If you move or change your phone number, it's important to go online and update that contact information," Frey said. "Reunions are only possible when information on a microchip is correct."

Chip n' Treat clinics will take place from 10 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday at the Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego shelters, and from 10 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at the El Cajon shelter.

Appointments are recommended and can be scheduled online. A $15 walk-in fee will be applied to those without an appointment.