Hays County Pet Resource Center Launches Campaign to Get Pets Microchipped

The City of Kyle is releasing the below joint release in conjunction with The Hays County Pet Resource Center, San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter (SMRAS), and Wimberley Adoption Group & Rescue (WAG). 

HAYS COUNTY, TX, June 10, 2024 - The Hays County Pet Resource Center (Hays PRC) is launching an area wide microchip awareness campaign, “The Power of Microchips,” to promote pet reunification and microchips for Hays County pet owners. The goal is to showcase the importance of microchipping pets, access to affordable services, and to have pets chipped and microchips registered.

Participating organizations include The Hays County Pet Resource Center, San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter (SMRAS), City of Kyle Animal Services, and Wimberley Adoption Group & Rescue (WAG). The campaign aims to share microchip information to the community, including events and clinics held during the month of June, and reduce the lost pet population through education and resources.

“We are thrilled to join forces to get as many pets microchipped as possible,” says Lee Ann Shenefiel, Austin Pets Alive! Executive Advisor and Project Coordinator. “As the Hays County area grows, we encourage the community to take advantage of the affordable resources that are already available.”

“Microchipped pets are three times more likely to be reunited with their owners,” said Briana Geddes, Animal Control Supervisor, Kyle Police Department. “With many shelter pets being unclaimed, we can work together to get them back home by encouraging pet owners to microchip their pets with up to date contact information.”

During the month of June, there are many opportunities for pet owners to get their pets microchipped through various organizations offering low-cost services. More services can be found in the Hays County Pet Resources Guide available in English and Spanish.

• VIP Petcare at Pet Supplies Plus: June 12 | 5 - 7PM
• PALS San Marcos: June 15 and 22 | 9AM - 12PM
• H-E-B KYLE: June 22 | 12:30 - 2:30PM
• Penny Paws Mobile Clinic at SMRAS: June 22 (every other Saturday) 8-11AM
• San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter: June 28 | 9AM - 5PM 

The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter will also host a $5 microchip event on Friday, June 28 from 9:00AM - 5:00PM to prepare for the 4th of July holiday. More pets go missing on July 4th than on any other day of the year.

• The event is open to anyone - you do not live in San Marcos or Hays County
• No appointment is needed
• All pets must be brought on a carrier or leash

Don't miss out on this perfect opportunity to keep your pets safe!

Please email Reyna Caraveo at pr@austinpetsalive.org to request interviews.

*A previous version of this press release listed the Kyle Animal Hospital as being a Microchip option for residents every Satrurday from 2-4 p.m. The Saturday clinic is only for vaccines, prevention and basic parasite testing.

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About Hays County Pet Resource Center (Hays PRC)

Hays County Pet Resource, Education, and Research Center (Hays PRC) is a first of its kind municipal shelter system encompassing the human and animal welfare industries through a community programs and data-driven focused animal sheltering model. By providing access to otherwise untapped resources rooted in data-driven education, informed policy and community partnerships, Hays PRC aims to build connections between human and animal welfare services within the community. In partnership with Austin Pets Alive (APA!) in 2023, Hays PRC origins stem from the innovation and collaboration rooted in saving lives and keeping families together.

About San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter (SMRAS)

The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter (SMRAS) is dedicated to protecting the pets and people of the City of San Marcos and the surrounding regions. As the municipal shelter for all of Hays County, SMRAS plays a vital role in providing a haven for stray, abandoned, and surrendered animals, working tirelessly to find loving homes for each deserving pet.

About City of Kyle Animal Services

The Animal Control Division is responsible for keeping the public safe from dangerous animals, as well as protecting domesticated animals from abuse or neglect by enforcing local ordinances and state laws. They handle various animal-related calls for service including stray animals, animal abuse or neglect, barking complaints, animal bites, and other aggressive behavior. Additionally, they provide wildlife education and resources to City of Kyle residents.

About Wimberley Adoption Group & Rescue (WAG)

The mission of Wimberley Adoption Group & Rescue is to help alleviate overcrowding in Central Texas shelters and provide dog adoption services to the community. WAG Rescue takes in any dog or puppy in need, regardless of their age or condition, and provides them with the vet care, socialization and training they need to get adopted. WAG Rescue promotes the compassionate treatment of all animals and educates the public about responsible pet ownership and advocates spay/neutering of pets to prevent overpopulation and much animal suffering. WAG Rescue also serves as a resource for all lost and found animals in western Hays County.