A “Straylight Savings” Pet Safety Initiative

EL PASO, Texas— Last year, El Paso Animal Services took in over 23,000 lost pets, with the majority arriving at the shelter without a microchip or with outdated contact information, making it difficult to reunite them with their families.

Just as Daylight Saving Time serves as a reminder to check smoke detector batteries, the annual “Straylight Savings” initiative urges pet owners to ensure their pets are microchipped and that their registration details are up to date. These simple but crucial steps can prevent pets from entering the shelter system and increase the chances of a happy reunion.

To support this effort, El Paso Animal Services, in partnership with its Resource Rover Team, hosts free monthly microchipping events to help lost pets find their way back home. In March, the following free microchip clinics will be available:

 

WHEN: 3 to 6:30 p.m. March 15th

WHERE: Mutts Canine Cantina, 460 Vin Rambla Dr.

 

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 22nd

WHERE: Head Start Center, 11670 Chito Samaniego Dr.

 

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 27th

WHERE: PetSmart at the Fountains, 8889 Gateway Blvd. W

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. March 29th

WHERE: Fox Plaza, 5559 Alameda Ave.

 

 

Microchips will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. These events are open to the public with no limit on the number of pets per household. For eligibility, pets should be at least six weeks old, dogs must be on a leash, and cats must be securely placed in carriers.

How to Update Your Pet’s Microchip 

1. Check if your pet is microchipped – Have your pet scanned at a veterinary clinic, any El Paso Fire Department station, or at El Paso Animal Services’ free microchipping events. 
2. Find the manufacturer – Enter the microchip number at org.
3. Update your contact information – Register your pet’s microchip with the manufacturer. If your pet is not already registered, you can register them for free at com.

For added security, consider adding your pet’s microchip data to the PetcoLoveLost.org database.

Need a Microchip?

If your pet is not microchipped, attend one of our monthly free microchip clinics or visit your veterinarian—microchipping typically costs around $25. 

For more information on El Paso Animal Services’ upcoming events and initiatives, visit ElPasoAnimalServices.org. 

###