PIMA COUNTY –Pima Animal Care Center will be hosting a free drive-thru microchip clinic from 3 – 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 31 in the overflow parking lot next to the shelter, 4000 N. Silverbell Road.

The event is for members of the communities that PACC serves: unincorporated Pima County, City of Tucson, City of South Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley. The clinic will also serve as a safe alternative to trick-or-treating, as staffers – who will be wearing masks and gloves — will hand out bags of candy that have been safely placed into individual Ziploc bags. Costumes are encouraged. You do not need to be attending the microchip portion of the event in order to get some candy.

“The pandemic put a hold on these type of events,” said Monica Dangler, Deputy Director. “But we know how important microchipping your pet is to this community, so we are putting some safety measures in place so that we can get this done.”

People who would like to attend must adhere to the following protocols:

  • All people inside the cars must wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth.
  • Dogs must be on a leash inside the vehicle.
  • Cats must be in a carrier.
  • Staff will not enter vehicles to microchip, but they will safely remove pets from the vehicle, which is why cats must be in carriers and dogs must be on leashes.

“These events always have a huge turnout, so we want to make sure everyone stays safe and gets their pets microchipped at the same time,” Dangler said.

In addition to microchips, pet food and personal hygiene supplies will be available while supplies last. Those who would like to make a donation can drop items into the large, blue donation bins outside the main gate at the shelter or they can make a financial donation to Friends of Pima Animal Care Center. Friends of PACC is the official nonprofit partner to Pima Animal Care Center, and relies on grants and individual donations to support the life-saving work of the shelter. People can make their donations at friendsofpacc.org.

Currently, PACC is housing 291 pets at the shelter, with another 695 in foster care, also in need of forever homes. All pets adopted from PACC come spayed or neutered, with age-appropriate vaccinations, a microchip, and a free vet visit. People who are interested in adopting a pet can head to pima.gov/adopt where they can fill out a cat or dog survey and choose an appointment time to visit the shelter.