Free microchipping for Will County pets during December

Will County residents can receive free microchipping for their pets throughout December.

For the second year, Will County Animal Protection Services is offering its “Home for the Holidays” promotion – and the program has expanded to include more eligible pets and two new locations, according to a news release from Will County Animal Protection Services.

In addition to dogs and cats, rabbits and ferrets are now eligible for the microchipping promotion.

And Joliet Junior College and the Wilco Area Career Center are joining Will County Animal Protection Services as a participating microchipping clinic.

To support the promotion, Will County Animal Protective Services was awarded a $1,500 grant from the Chicagoland Humane Coalition and a microchip donation from 24Pet.

Will County Animal Protection Services Administrator Anna Payton said 278 dogs and cats were microchipped in 2023 during the “Home for the Holidays” promotion.

“Microchips are a critical tool in reuniting pets with their owners,” Payton said in the release.

[ Microchip helps Morris man reunite cat with Joliet owner ]

A microchip is a small grain-of-rice size device with a scannable number connected to the owner’s contact information. Microchips are inserted beneath the skin and between the animal’s shoulder blades.

Animals are scanned for these microchips when they come into a shelter or are picked up by an animal control officer. Veterinarian hospitals and some police departments also have microchip scanners.

Microchip clinics

Proof of current rabies vaccination and proof of Will County residence is required at all locations.

Will County Animal Protection Services: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, 22452 Cherry Hill Road, Joliet. Appointment required. To schedule, call 815-462-5633.

Wilco Area Career Center: 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday until Dec. 19, 500 Wilco Drive, Romeoville. Appointment required. To schedule, visit wilco.k12.il.us.

Joliet Junior College: Noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 13 only, 1215 Houbolt Road. Appointments optional. To schedule, email JJCVNC@gmail.com.

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