Saturday's Pet New Year is one of the highlights of the pet calendar, a rare opportunity to gain valuable information on pet care in a fun environment that features demonstrations, giveaways and much more.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Pet New Year
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, February 2, 2013
WHERE: Alaska Mill and Feed, 1501 E. 1st Ave., Anchorage
Press release describing the event from Brooke Taylor of Anchorage Animal Care and Control:
To encourage more people to license and microchip their pets, Anchorage Animal Care and Control Center (AACCC) and the Alaska SPCA are holding a discounted rabies vaccination and microchip clinic this weekend called "Pet New Year." It will be held at the Alaska Mill and Feed Warehouse (1501 E. 1st Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 2, 2013.
Rabies vaccinations will be given for only $5 to cats and dogs of Municipality of Anchorage residents. The Alaska SPCA and AACCC will also be providing 46 free microchips to the first spayed or neutered pets to arrive. When free supplies run out, microchips will still be offered for $30 through the Alaska SPCA. Municipal dog licenses will be available for purchase. There will be educational booths, giveaways from pet-related businesses, door prizes, and demonstrations by groups such as the JBER Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog Section and Alaska Dogs Gone Wild.
In 2012, only 38% of stray animals brought to AACCC were claimed by their owners. Many of the thousands of stray or lost pets that come to AACCC clearly come from homes where they are cared for, trained, and loved. Sadly, most arrive because they have no identification and no way to return them to their owner. Identification and licensing go hand in hand with the protection of our pets. A microchip or tag ensures that pets are returned to their owners if they are lost. A municipal license ensures that the animal will receive medical care if it's found injured. It also allows AACCC to keep the animal safely with us for a longer period of time before putting that pet up for possible adoption.
A municipal license is required for all dogs over the age of four months in the Municipality of Anchorage. Unfortunately, only an estimated 20% of dogs are licensed in the municipality. For cats, identification is required when they are off their own property.
Licenses can be purchased for one, two or three years from the date of purchase. Prices start at $15 for a spayed or neutered pet for one year. Municipal licenses are sold at many veterinary clinics, at AACCC, and online at www.muni.org/animal.
Anchorage