Free microchipping for cats in Oct.

SAN DIEGO — According to the County Department of Animal Services (DAS), October is Get Your Cat Microchipped for Free Month. All three county shelters are offering free microchipping for cats.

DAS is partnering with AVID Microchip Company to provide free microchips, including national registration for cats. The owner’s information will also be entered into Animal Services’ database.

Fewer than four percent of lost cats brought to shelters are reunited with owners. A microchip gives pets the best chance of being identified and returned home safely should they ever become lost.

A microchip is a small transponder, the size of a grain of rice, which is injected under the skin and remains there for the life of the pet.

DAS scans all incoming animals for the presence of a microchip. They are then able to locate the owner’s information through the number on the microchip.

As an added incentive to get all cats microchipped, the Petco Foundation is providing a gift with each microchip and an opportunity to win a special prize at the end of October. In addition, $50 spay and $25 neuter coupons will also be available to cat owners to help with the cost of surgery.

Free cat microchipping and coupons are available for pet owners who reside in the service area, which includes the unincorporated area of the county. The program is available at the three county shelters Tuesday through Saturday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

No appointment is necessary and cats must be in carriers. The shelter locations include 2481 Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad.

For additional information about DAS, visit http://www.sddac.com.