In time for fireworks, get pets microchipped

More pets go missing on July 4th than on any other day of the year. The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter will host a $5 microchip event on Friday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to prepare for the 4th of July holiday. The event is open to anyone. Pet owners do not have to live in San Marcos or Hays County. No appointment is needed and all pets must be brought in a carrier on a leash.

The Hays County Pet Resource Center is launching an area-wide microchip awareness campaign, “The Power of Microchips,” to promote pet reunification and microchips for Hays County pet owners. The goal is to showcase the importance of microchipping pets, steer owners to affordable services, to have pets chipped and to ensure that the microchips are registered.

Participating organizations include The Hays County Pet Resource Center, San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter, City of Kyle Animal Services and the Wimberley Adoption Group & Rescue.

“We are thrilled to join forces to get as many pets microchipped as possible,” says Lee Ann Shenefiel, Austin Pets Alive! Executive Advisor and Project Coordinator. “As the Hays County area grows, we encourage the community to take advantage of the affordable resources that are already available.”

“Microchipped pets are three times more likely to be reunited with their owners,” said Briana Geddes, Animal Control Supervisor, Kyle Police Department. “With many shelter pets being unclaimed, we can work together to get them back home by encouraging pet owners SMRAS $5 Microchip Event to microchip their pets with up to date contact information.”

During the month of June, there are additional opportunities for pet owners to get their pets microchipped.

• Kyle Animal Hospital: Every Saturday, 2 to 4 p.m.

• H-E-B KYLE: June 22, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

• Penny Paws Mobile Clinic at San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter: June 22, every other Saturday, 8 to 11 a.m. • San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter: June 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More services can be found in the Hays County Pet Resources Guide available in English and Spanish at hayscountytx.com/ pet-resource