BROWNSVILLE, Texas (December 27, 2016) – Sec. 10-1133, “Microchipping of Dogs and Cats” of Ordinance 2015-971-G, will go into effect on January 1, 2017.

Approved by the Brownsville City Commission on September 1, 2015, Sec. 10-1133 requires all dogs and cats over the age of four months to be implanted with an identifying microchip.

An identifying microchip is a small, electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder, injected under the skin of an animal using a hypodermic needle. When a microchip scanner passes over the area where a microchip is implanted, the microchip transmits a unique identification number, which may then be linked to the respective pet owner’s contact information via a local pet recovery database.

“If a pet is lost or stolen, a microchip can help increase the chance of reuniting owners with their pets,” said City Public Health & Wellness Director Arturo Rodriguez. “A microchip also serves as permanent form of identification, should a pet collar or tag accidentally fall off. We are looking forward to providing microchipping services and increasing the redemption of animals in our shelter and throughout the community.”

Beginning Monday, January 9, 2017, the Brownsville Animal Regulation & Care Center (BARCC) will offer low cost microchipping services for a $5.00 fee once a week from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays.

Owners may also have their pet microchipped with a veterinarian of their choice.

To learn more about Sec. 10-1133, please call (956) 544-7351 or visit the Brownsville, Texas – Code of Ordinances.

For more information about BARCC, visit http://www.cob.us/719/Animal-Regulation-Care-Center or the BARCC Facebook page.

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