ABQ Times

Albuquerque's Animal Welfare Department (AWD) has launched a month-long campaign aimed at increasing the chances of reuniting lost pets with their families. The initiative, running through March, offers free microchipping, pet tags, and "Check the Chip" services at Eastside and Westside shelters without requiring appointments.

Animal Welfare Department Director Carolyn Ortega emphasized the significance of keeping microchip information current: “An unregistered or outdated microchip is like a lighthouse with no light; its potential to guide is lost." She urged pet owners to ensure their pets' chips are registered and updated with accurate contact details, noting that this step could be crucial for reuniting with lost pets.

Mayor Tim Keller echoed this sentiment: “Our pets are part of the family, and getting separated from them is something none of us would ever want to go through.” He highlighted how updating microchip information increases the likelihood of a swift reunion between pets and their owners.

AWD’s “Reunite” program provides 36 locations throughout Albuquerque equipped with microchip scanners. These include 22 fire stations, seven police substations, and five local businesses. This system allows good Samaritans who find lost pets to have them scanned quickly. However, its effectiveness depends on up-to-date microchip data.

Pet owners are encouraged to share this initiative with others to enhance community efforts in safeguarding pet safety. For more details on locations and services offered by AWD during this campaign, additional information can be accessed online.