In honor of National Lost Pet Prevention Month, Special Pals, 3830 Greenhouse Road, will give away 100 free microchips to local pets in a project sponsored by Ohana Garage Doors. Dog and cat owners who need to microchip their pets can visit Special Pals Monday-Friday from 12-4 p.m. to have their pet microchipped at no cost, starting July 11 and running through July 31.

‘Ohana’ is the Hawaiian word for family and Mark Guzman, owner of Ohana Garage Doors, places a priority on supporting the community ‘ohana.’

“We’re a family business, and our pets are part of that family too,” Guzman said. “Partnering with Special Pals helps more pets and people in our community and we are proud to support this service.”

National Lost Pet Prevention Month helps raise awareness of services like microchipping to ensure that pets stay together with the people who love them. It is estimated that one in three pets will go missing in their lifetime. By microchipping their pets, the community can prevent their dogs and cats from entering local shelters, especially during the summer months when shelters are often overcrowded.

“If they are ever lost, microchipped dogs and cats are twice as likely to be reunited with their families than animals that are not microchipped,” Becky French, Special Pals executive director, said. “The City of Houston’s mandatory microchipping ordinance has increased the need for this service, and we are excited to offer more opportunities for pet owners to get their pets chipped.”

The 100 free microchips are available while supplies last. No appointment is necessary.