Will County Animal Control Offers Free Pet Microchipping In December

JOLIET, IL — Will County pet owners who have been meaning to get their dogs and cats microchipped now have the opportunity to do so for free throughout December thanks to a program being offered by the Will County Animal Control Department.

Animal control officials have introduced their annual “Home for the Holidays” initiative, which runs through Dec. 30. Appointments are available between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and will be offered in 15-minute increments. Appointments are required and no walk-in services are available, department officials said.

Residents must provide proof of current rabies vaccination for each pet receiving the microchipping service.

“We’re hoping to incentivize pet owners to microchip their pets,” Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant said in a news release. “Having pets microchipped, with updated tags, helps ensure that they can find their way home if they get lost. This simple step can go a long way for Will County pet owners.”

A microchip is a small device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is inserted between the shoulder blades of a dog or cat, just under the skin. When a stray animal is picked up by an animal control officer or comes into a shelter, the animal is scanned for a microchip. All microchips have a scannable number that is connected to the owner’s contact information, allowing for their pets to be returned before entering the shelter system.

Veterinarian hospitals, and even some police departments, have microchip scanners available. Will County Animal Control advises residents who come across a stray animal to bring them for a microchip scan as soon as possible.

“This program will give the gift of permanent identification to pets across Will County this holiday season,” Will County Animal Control Administrator Anna Payton said in a released statement. “Lack of identification is the biggest challenge in reuniting lost pets with their owners. By increasing the number of dogs and cats with microchips in our community, we can help more animals be reunited with the families who love them. This is a small step we can take to make sure pets are home for the holidays.”

The “Home for the Holidays” Microchip Program takes place at Will County Animal Control, 22452 S. Cherry Hill Road, Joliet. Requests for appointments can be made by calling (815) 462-5633 or by emailing acontrol@willcountyillinois.com.