After the success of last year’s clinic, Ark-Valley Humane Society announced it will offer a second annual free Community Microchip and Pet ID Tag Clinic in Salida and Buena Vista for pet owners.
Pet owners do not need to make appointments or be Chaffee residents to attend.
“We were so excited to see the turnout for last year’s clinic,” AVHS Executive Director Nikki Ritter said in a May 14 press release. “We hope to help even more community pets and pet owners this year through our free microchip and pet ID tag clinics. We are grateful for our sponsors who make these events a reality.”
The first clinic will be from 1 to 4 p.m. May 18 at AVHS’ south impound facility in Salida, 1425 E St. The second clinic will be July 13 at the Buena Vista shelter, 701 Gregg Drive.
Pet owners can receive free microchips and microchip administration for their dog or cat, a free microchip check and/or have a free engraved pet ID tag created.
“At last year’s clinic, AVHS provided 37 free engraved Pet ID Tags and 32 free microchips,” said outreach coordinator Casey Hampf. “A total of 44 pets and 21 pet owners were helped through this clinic.”
Microchips are a safe, effective way to identify pets. Unlike collars and tags, which can be lost or removed, microchips are a permanent form of identification containing a unique identifying number.
Microchips cannot be tracked like a GPS. Contact information is stored with a microchip company and pet owners can control the privacy of their information.
“When a lost pet is found, animal shelters and veterinary clinics can scan the microchip to retrieve your contact information and help you bring your pet home safely,” Hampf said.
When a lost animal arrives at the shelter, one of the first things AVHS staff are trained to do is check for ID tags and scan for a microchip. In 2024, AVHS helped reunite 187 lost animals with their families. Pets who came with up-to-date ID tags and/or microchips were able to go home sooner, AVHS reported.
Pet owners are requested to bring cats in carriers and dogs on leashes. Leave pets in the vehicle and stop by the check-in tent upon arrival. An outdoor area with water bowls will be provided for friendly dogs.
Pet ID tags for the Salida clinic will be made at a later date and mailed to pet owners. Owners must attend the clinic in person to receive a free pet ID tag.
For questions, contact Casey Hampf at outreach@ark-valley.org.
