Free Microchipping For Will County Pets In 'Home For The Holidays'

WILL COUNTY — Will County Animal Protection Services (APS) is giving the gift of peace of mind this holiday season. For a second year, their “Home for the Holidays” promotion is offering free microchipping for pets owned by county residents throughout the month of December.

In addition to offering microchips for cats and dogs at the Will County APS office, the program has expanded to make rabbits and ferrets eligible for the microchipping promotion. Two new locations have also been added: Joliet Junior College (JJC) and Wilco Area Career Center (Wilco).

"Microchips are a critical tool in reuniting pets with their owners," said Will County APS Administrator Anna Payton. "We’re proud to be offering this promotion again after microchipping 278 dogs and cats last year. Thanks to our partners, we’re also expanding our offerings and locations."

Microchip services are offered at the following locations:

Participating Clinics:

• Will County APS, 22452 Cherry Hill Rd., Joliet
  • Mon-Fri: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Wilco, 500 Wilco Dr., Romeoville
  • Dec. 9–19
  • Mon-Thu: 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

One-Day Workshops:

• Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt Rd., Joliet
  • Friday, Dec. 13, 12 to 3 p.m.

Appointments are required for both WCAPS and Wilco locations. Appointments are not required for the one-day JJC workshop, but are available by emailing JJCVNC@gmail.com. Proof of current rabies vaccination and proof of Will County residence is required at all locations.

To check on available appointments at Will County APS and Wilco:

• Will County: call (815) 462-5633
• Wilco: visit https://www.wilco.k12.il.us/

Will County APS has been awarded a $1,500 grant from the Chicagoland Humane Coalition and a microchip donation from 24Pet to support the promotion.

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 Protection Services advises residents who come across a stray animal to bring them for a microchip scan as soon as possible.