HAYS COUNTY — 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 of the campaign is to showcase the importance of microchipping pets, access to affordable services and to have pets chipped and microchips registered. Participating organizations include The Hays County Pet Resource Center, San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter (SMRAS), city of Kyle Animal Services and Wimberley Adoption Group & Rescue.
The campaign aims to share microchip information to the community, including events and clinics held during the month of June and reduce the lost pet population through education and resources.
“We are thrilled to join forces to get as many pets microchipped as possible,” said 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, according to Kyle Police Department Animal Control Supervisor Briana Geddes.
“With many shelter pets being unclaimed, we can work together to get them back home by encouraging pet owners to microchip their pets with up-to-date contact information,” she said.
During the month of June, there are many opportunities for pet owners to get their pets microchipped through various organizations offering low-cost services, including:
• Kyle Animal Hospital: Every Saturday at 2-4 p.m.
•Penny Paws Mobile Clinic at SMRAS: June 22 (every other Saturday) at 8-11 a.m.
•H-E-B Buda: June 11 at 6-8 p.m.
•H-E-B Plus! Kyle: June 22 at 12:30-2:30 p.m.
•PALS San Marcos: June 15 and 22 at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
•VIP Petcare at Pet Supplies Plus: June 12 at 5;7 p.m.
• SMRAS: June 28 at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SMRAS will also host a $5 microchip event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, June 28 to prepare for the Fourth of July holiday. More pets go missing on July 4 than on any other day of the year, according to a Hays County Pet Resource Center news release.
The event is open to anyone, even those who do not live in San Marcos or Hays County. There is no appointment needed, but all pets must be brought on a carrier or leash.
