In a bid to reduce the hundreds of lost or stray animals arriving at the local shelter each year, Bundaberg RSPCA is offering pet owners discounted microchipping this Saturday.
The microchipping day will kick off at the shelter on 31 Doblo Street from 11am to 1pm with cats and dogs both able to be microchipped for just $24.95.
RSPCA staff will see people on a first come, first served basis, with no need to book an appointment.
Animal Care Manager at RSPCA Bundaberg Lorin Grey said the current storm season was just one example of why it was important to microchip pets.
“We're right in the middle of both summer storm and fireworks season, two of the biggest reasons that pets get scared and break out of their homes,” Lorin said.
“Having your animal microchipped and keeping your contact details up to date is the most efficient way of being reunited with your pet.
“Any vet, shelter or council service will be able to scan for a microchip and look up the owners’ details.”
This year alone, Bundaberg RSPCA have seen more than 300 stray animals bought into their shelter, highlighting just how common lost pets are.
“We have taken in 342 stray animals into our shelter in 2021,” she said.
“Most are very obviously owned by someone, but as they are not microchipped, not wearing a collar with ID and no one comes looking for them, they end up spending a period of time in a busy, stressful shelter environment.
“As well as providing shelter to lost pets in need of it, we are also committed to educating the wider community on all aspects of responsible pet ownership, and this is one way we can help to make this aspect of it accessible to everyone.”
In Queensland, it is a requirement that cats and dogs are microchipped prior to reaching 12 weeks of age.
Bundaberg RSPCA will be open for walk in appointments from 11 am to 1 pm on Saturday, 11 December.
Visiting dogs must remain on a leash and cats in a carrier at all times.
Bundaberg RSPCA is located at 31 Doblo Street, Avoca.
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