Mandatory Microchips For Pets In Amarillo Might Be Coming

Overcrowding has been a major issue at the Amarillo shelters recently, and it's gotten so bad they're hitting a point where they can't take any more pets in.

A big reason for the overcrowding has been due to pets escaping their yards from their homes and getting lost.

Many of these pets never ultimately land back with their owner because they have no way of being identified. No tags, no chips, nothing.

Because of this, city officials are discussing a couple of different things in order to help ease the overcrowding at the shelters.

Mandatory Microchipping

One of the things officials are digging into is making microchipping mandatory for all pet owners within the city limits.

This wouldn't apply to EVERY single pet, but making it something that all dogs and cats that are pets must have. The microchip allows the pets to be quickly reunited with their owner.

What Happens If A Pet Isn't Microchipped

That's the other thing officials are discussing. Many people won't want to get the microchipping done or incur the cost.

If they decide that's the route they want to go, then they'll find themselves dealing with an increased fine that will more than likely exceed the cost of microchipping.

Can You Get Free Microchipping

That's one of the beautiful things about the city and it's pet programs. There are several events per year where they offer free vaccinations and microchipping.

This is a perfect time to take advantage of getting these things done and, truthfully, get ahead of the curve when it comes to the mandatory microchipping.