LOS ANGELES, June 11, 2025 – The 4th of July holiday and the days that follow are the busiest times for LA Animal Services Centers. The loud noises and bright lights caused by fireworks frighten pets causing them to escape their homes and end up in City shelters. To ensure lost pets find their way back home, LA City residents can have their pets microchipped for free, while supplies last, thanks to LA Animal Services and Michelson Found Animals. For pet owners residing outside the City of Los Angeles who would like to microchip their pet, the cost is $15.

Microchipping your pet plays a vital role in keeping animals from entering already crowded shelters while also helping them to ensure a happy reunion with their families. Angelenos and their pets can stop by any of the six LA Animal Services Centers that are open Tuesday through Friday from 8am to 5pm, and on the weekends, from 11am to 5pm.

“Our goal is to ensure every lost pet has the best possible chance of returning home, especially as the 4th of July holiday approaches, and microchips provide pets with a permanent ID that quickly reunites them with their families,” said Annette Ramirez, Interim General Manager for LA Animal Services. “For pets already microchipped, we encourage owners to check, verify, and update, if needed, their contact information linked with their pet’s microchip. Outdated information can delay or prevent reunification, even if the pet is microchipped.”

What is Microchipping?

A microchip, the size of a grain of rice, is injected under the animal’s skin between the shoulder blades. Each microchip has a unique number that is registered with a nationwide database along with the pet owner’s address and phone number. If your pet becomes lost, the microchip can be read by scanners that are used by most animal centers and veterinary clinics. Microchips reunite countless pets each year, and can make all the difference in finding your pet if they are lost, or even stolen.

Get a Microchip from LA Animal Services 

Stop by any of our six LA Animal Services Centers to get your pet microchipped. Our shelters are open from 8am to 5pm, Tuesday through Friday, and from 11am to 5pm on the weekends. Our shelters are closed on Mondays and City-observed holidays.

To find your nearest animal shelter, please visit:

laanimalservices.com/shelter-search

For more information about LA Animal Services, and the benefits of microchipping your pet, visit: laanimalservices.com.