The St. Charles Parish Animal Shelter will host its annual Check the Chip Day event on Friday, August 14, from 12 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at 921 Deputy Jeff G. Watson Dr. in Luling. Held during hurricane season, this free event helps residents ensure their pets can be identified and reunited with their families if they become lost during an emergency. 

St. Charles Parish residents are invited to bring their cats and dogs of any age to participate. Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier, and participants must provide proof of St. Charles Parish residency, such as a driver's license, water bill, or electric bill. 

During the event, Animal Shelter staff will scan each pet for an existing microchip. If a chip is found, staff will provide the owner with the microchip number and manufacturer information so they can verify and update their registration details. Once ownership has been confirmed, the shelter will also register the pet in its system and enroll it with 24Petwatch as a secondary registry. 

Pets without a microchip will receive one free of charge and will also be registered in the shelter's system and with 24Petwatch to help improve the chances of a safe return if the pet is ever lost. 

In addition to microchip services, residents who bring an old backpack can create a pet emergency kit while supplies last. The shelter will provide essential preparedness items to help owners plan for hurricane evacuations and other emergencies. 

While registration is not required, it is strongly encouraged to help expedite the check-in process on the day of the event. Register your pet here.  

For questions or more information, please contact the shelter at 985-783-5010 or email scpanimal@stcharlesgov.net. 

For more information regarding St. Charles Parish, please visit our website at www.stcharlesparish.gov, Cox Channel 6, UVerse Channel 99, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@stcharlesgov).