Cary veterinarian offers free microchipping for pets in October

A Cary veterinarian offering free microchipping for dogs and cats throughout the entire month of October has already microchipped 100 pets.

Gentle Care Animal Hospital, located at 3435 Kildaire Farm Road near Ten Ten Road, is partnering with Cary Animal Control to offer free microchipping for all pets.

A small microchip, embedded under the skin, carries vital information that can bring a pet back home should it ever get lost or stolen. The microchip is smaller than a grain of rice and is inserted with a needle, similar to a vaccine.

A microchip does not track pets, but if a lost pet is found the microchip can be scanned to find its owner. Even indoor cats can be microchipped in case they get loose.

The use of microchips has doubled the rate in which stay animals are returned home, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Call 919-387-3435 during the month of October to make a free microchipping appointment. The clinic is closed Sundays.

Pet owners must provide proof of a rabies vaccine.