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By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Implanting a microchip is a simple, inexpensive and pain-free way to help recover a lost pet.
As such, on Saturday, Dec. 5, getting a pet microchipped in Volusia County won’t just be low-cost; it will be no-cost, thanks to a one-day free event hosted by Volusia County Animal Services.
The event, which will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., also will celebrate the grand reopening of the county’s Animal Services headquarters, 1250 Indian Lake Road in Daytona Beach, to show off the facility’s brand new, animal-themed paint job.
“When a pet goes missing, having a microchip really increases the odds of a happy reunion,” said Adam Leath, Volusia County's animal services director. “It really is the next best thing to a lost pet being able to phone home and tell its owner where to find it.”
Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are implanted just under the skin. With the wave of a hand-held wand over the pet’s back, the ID code on the microchip will lead to the owner’s name and contact information.
For convenience and social distancing, the Dec. 5 microchip event will feature drive-thru service.
"While residents won’t have to get out of their vehicle, they're encouraged to wear a face covering," Gary Davidson, activity project manager/community information for Volusia County, told Headline Surfer. "County staff will remove the pet from the vehicle and take it into the on-site facility for the quick and painless procedure. Just a few minutes later, the pet will be brought back out to the owner’s vehicle."
"While residents won’t have to get out of their vehicle, they're encouraged to wear a face covering," Gary Davidson, activity project manager/community information for Volusia County, told Headline Surfer. "County staff will remove the pet from the vehicle and take it into the on-site facility for the quick and painless procedure. Just a few minutes later, the pet will be brought back out to the owner’s vehicle."
To expedite the process, those who are planning to get a pet microchipped are asked to print out the consent form and fill it out before arriving. The form can be downloaded here: https://bit.ly/3lELxbz.
Leath, the county's animal services director County animal services director, said he’s looking forward to a good response from the public.
“Our residents have always been extremely supportive of the programs and services we provide,” Leath said. “This is our way to give back to the community and help people and pets. Whether they’re getting a pet microchipped or just want to come by and check out our new paint scheme, we’re hoping for a good turnout.”
This is the third free microchip event that Volusia County Animal Services has hosted in the last six months.
Henry Frederick is publisher of Headline Surfer, the award-winning 24/7 internet news outlet launched 12 years ago that serves greater Daytona Beach, Sanford & Orlando, Florida via HeadlineSurfer.com. Frederick has amassed more than a hundred journalism industry awards in print & online -- more than all other members of the working press combined in Central Florida since the mid-1990s. He earned his Master of Arts in New Media Journalism with academic honors from Full Sail University in 2019. Having witnessed the execution of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Florida's death chamber and other high profile cases, Frederick has appeared on national crime documentary programs on Discovery ID and Reelz for his investigative reporting and cops & courts breaking news stories. Award-Winning Journalism of Henry Frederick.
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