FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 28, 2023

Contact: Dustin Hodges (832) 393-3008

districte@houstontx.gov

Free Microchipping and Spay/Neuter

Events in Kingwood

HOUSTON, TX – Mayor Pro Tem Martin is partnering with BARC Houston to host a free microchipping event while also offering residents a chance to schedule appointments for free spay/neuter services in District E. The event will be held Saturday, December 16 at the Kingwood METRO Park & Ride from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. This event is made possible thanks to Mayor Pro Tem Martin allocating $6,000 of his Council District Service Funds to cover the costs of the microchips and spay/neuter appointments.

Pre-registration for this event is not required, and microchipping services will be available from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis, and as supplies for the chipping last. No vaccination documentation is required to be shown at the event. All animals do need to have a collar and a leash, but do not need to be brought in a carrier. It is recommended, however, that if a pet owner has a carrier, they bring their pet in one.

Mayor Pro Tem Martin is excited to also have Houston Humane Society participating in these pet events, on-site to provide assistance in registering pet owners for free spay/neuter surgery appointments. The free surgery appointments will also be on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are 75 free spay/neuter appointments available. Surgeries will not take place same day but instead set at a future date and time.

In January 2022, Houston City Council approved the requirement that all dogs and cats be microchipped this is the second round of events for District E seeking to provide these much needed tracking devices to Houston pet owners. There was a year-long grace period allowing residents to have the time to get their pets chipped. A City pet license will still be required; however, rather than issuing a physical metal tag for the pet’s collar – which can easily be lost or damaged – BARC will use the microchip number as proof of licensing. This change will allow BARC Animal Enforcement Officers to scan and return a pet to its owner while the officers are in the field, eliminating the need to bring the animal back to the shelter for intake.

Please contact the District E office by phone at (832) 393-3008 or by email at districte@houstontx.gov with any questions or comments.

Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin City of Houston  |  900 Bagby, Houston, TX 77002