PACC Giving Free Holiday Pet Microchipping, Asking For Donations

TUCSON, AZ – The Pima Animal Care Center recently announced a free drive-thru pet microchipping event Sun., Dec. 15 through Sun., Dec. 22 at the parking lot by the shelter. Though the pet microchipping will be done at no charge, PACC is requesting that human participants bring an unwrapped toy that PACC will donate to Toys for Tots, or a nonperishable food item for PACC to donate to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.

The aim of this free clinic is to have all pets microchipped prior to the upcoming New Year’s Eve festivities, as those celebrations can startle pets and cause them to run away. In the first two weeks of last year, PACC took in 371 animals. The previous year during the same timeframe, 379 runaway pets were taken in by PACC, according to a PACC news release. PACC’s Director of Animal Services Kristen Hassen explained, “New Year’s Eve can be a scary time for pets. There might be a lot of strange people in the home. It may be louder than normal, plus fireworks can be pretty darn scary to our furry friends."

This is also a prime time for pet owners who have already microchipped their furry friends to make sure PACC has an accurate phone number on file, Hassen said. “One of the most difficult parts of taking in strays is when we see a pet that has a microchip but the [phone] number is no longer working or it was never even added. It’s sad because a quick phone call could have reunited them back with their family.”

To check whether PACC has the correct phone number linked to your pet’s microchip, call 520-724-5900, then press 6 and leave your phone number and name. Or double-check the phone number by stopping in at the PACC shelter during business hours Monday through Friday noon to 7 p.m. or weekends 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The drive-thru microchipping event will be held at the overflow parking lot by the PACC shelter at 4000 N. Silverbell Road in Tucson from 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 15-22.

PACC has nearly 1,200 pets ready for a home this holiday season. All pets are neutered or spayed, microchipped, given age-appropriate vaccinations and come with a free veterinarian visit. Adoptable pets can be seen online or in person at the shelter.