Halloween can be a scary time for pets. Strange costumes, loud noises and children running about can alarm pets and prompt them to escape and run off in fear.
The County Department of Animal Services (DAS) encourages you to make sure your pet is microchipped before Halloween in case it accidentally gets loose.
DAS is offering microchipping, rabies vaccinations and dog licenses from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13 at the animal care facility at 5821 Sweetwater Road in Bonita.
“We see hundreds of lost animals come in to our shelters during busy holidays such as Halloween,” said Animal Services Director Dawn Danielson. “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.”
DAS will microchip pets for a one-time fee of $10 which includes the registration. Rabies vaccinations for dogs four months or older and cats three months or older are $6. Amnesty from late fees is offered to owners who failed to license their dog or allowed their dog’s annual license to lapse.
Spay/neuter discount coupons will also be available, $50 for female cats and dogs, and $25 for all males.
Rabies vaccinations and microchipping are available to anyone. Spay/neuter coupons and licenses are available to residents who live in the department’s service area of the unincorporated county or the contract cities of San Diego, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar and Santee.
To protect owners and their pets, dogs must be on a leash and cats in a carrier while visiting the clinic. For more information, contact DAS at (619) 767-2675 or visit sddac.com.
