County Offers Pet Microchipping, Vaccination in Preparation for Halloween

The county’s Department of Animal Services will offer pet microchips, rabies vaccinations and dog licenses Sunday in advance of Halloween, when loud noises and trick-or-treaters could alarm pets and prompt them to run off.

County animal services officials encouraged pet owners to get their animals microchipped before Halloween, and will the offer the service from noon to 2 p.m. at the animal care facility at 5821 Sweetwater Road. Microchips are usually only available on Thursdays.

“We see hundreds of lost animals come into our shelters during busy holidays such as Halloween,” Animal Services Director Dawn Danielson said. “A microchip is the best way to reunite lost animals with their owners quickly after escaping from a house or yard and it could save your pet’s life.”

The $10 cost for a microchip includes registration, and rabies vaccinations. The fee is $6 for dogs four months or older and for cats three months or older. The Department of Animal Services will give amnesty to those who have failed to license their dog or allowed their dog's annual license to lapse.

Discount spay/neuter coupons of $50 for female cats and dogs, and $25 for all males will be available to residents who live in the unincorporated county or the cities of San Diego, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar and Santee.

— City News Service