North Hempstead offers free microchipping for cats, dogs on Nov. 14

Dog and cat owners in North Hempstead can get their pets microchipped for free at a clinic on Nov. 14.

The town is co-sponsoring the event with the town animal shelter's not-for-profit, The Shelter Connection.

"Having dogs and cats microchipped is a great benefit for pet owners," Supervisor Judi Bosworth said in a news release. "This free service will give them the peace of mind that if their pet is ever lost, they will still be able to identify them."

Microchipping involves implanting a small chip underneath a pet's skin, which tags the animal with a permanent identification number.

At the clinic, a licensed veterinarian technician will be administering microchips with a guardian feature, which lists the town animal shelter as the second point of contact, after the pet's owner. This option is very useful in the case of emergencies, said Jenna Givargidze, the shelter's director.

Givargidze added that this is the first year the microchip event has been held, but that the shelter hopes to continue the program.

There are 50 spots for the upcoming clinic, and registration is required in advance. Dogs must have valid town licenses and cats must have current rabies vaccination certificates.

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The North Hempstead Animal Shelter is located at 75 Marino Ave. in Port Washington. To reserve a spot, residents can call 311 or 516-869-6311.