LOS ANGELES, March 5, 2026 -  It's time to spring forward and set clocks ahead one hour this Sunday, March 8 at 2am so LA Animal Services wants to remind pet owners to check your pet's microchip and licensing information. Even if your pet is microchipped, outdated contact information can delay or prevent a successful reunion.

“A microchip in your pet can make all the difference in helping to reunite with your pet if they are lost, missing or stolen,” said Annette G. Ramirez, Interim General Manager for LA Animal Services. ”Ensure the information on your pet's microchip has your most current contact information especially if you’ve moved or changed phone numbers.”

Microchipping is permanent pet identification. The process is safe, simple, permanent, and designed to quickly identify lost pets and reunite them with their owners. The microchip, which is about the size of a grain of rice, is injected beneath the surface of the pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. The process is similar to a routine shot, takes only a few seconds, and your pet will not react any more than to a vaccination. No anesthetic is required. The microchip can be read by scanners used by most shelters, rescues, and veterinary clinics.

Need to have your pet microchipped? Stop by any of our six LA Animal Services Centers. The cost to microchip your pet is $15. No appointment needed.

For more information about LA Animal Services and available resources for Angelenos and their pets, visit: laanimalservices.com.