After last year’s success of Ark-Valley Humane Society’s first-ever free Community Microchip and Pet ID Tag Clinic, the shelter will be providing this free service again in Salida and Buena Vista for pet owners. You do not need an appointment nor be a Chaffee County resident to attend.
The first clinic will be held on Sunday, May 18th, 2025 from 1:00-4:00PM at AVHS’s south impound facility in Salida located at 1425 E Street.
During the event pet owners can receive free microchips/microchip administration for their cat or dog, a free microchip check, and/or have a free engraved Pet ID tag created.
Microchips are a safe and effective way to identify your pet. Unlike collars and tags, which can be lost or removed, a microchip is a permanent form of identification. It contains a unique identifying number and is not able to be tracked like a GPS. Your contact information is stored with a microchip company and you are able to control the privacy of your information. When a lost pet is found, animal shelters and veterinary clinics scan the pet’s microchip and then contact the microchip company it is registered with so that you can be alerted that your pet has been found.
One of the first things AVHS staff is trained to do when a lost animal arrives at the shelter is to check for pet ID tags and scan for a microchip. In 2024, Ark-Valley Humane Society helped reunite 187 lost animals with their families. Pets who came in with up-to-date ID tags and/or microchips were able to go home sooner.
“We were so excited to see the turnout for last year’s clinic. We hope to help even more community pets and pet owners this year through our free microchip and pet ID tag clinics. We are grateful for our sponsors that make these events a reality,” said AVHS Executive Director Nikki Ritter.
The shelter requests that you please bring your cats in carriers and your dogs on leashes. Please leave your pet(s) in your vehicle and stop by the check-in tent when you first arrive. There will be an outdoor area with water bowls for friendly dogs. Pet ID tags for the Salida clinic will be made at a later date and mailed to pet owners, you must be at the clinic in-
person to receive a free pet ID tag. The second clinic will be held at the Buena Vista shelter located at 701 Gregg Drive on Sunday, July 13th, 2025.
For questions, please contact Casey Hampf at outreach@ark-valley.org.
