Toronto Animal Services’ (TAS) Chip Truck will host its first mobile clinic since 2019 on Wednesday, June 29 at the Jane Finch Mall, 1911 Finch Ave. W., from 4 to 7 p.m. The mobile Chip Truck provides low-cost microchips, rabies vaccines and pet licensing in neighbourhoods across Toronto.
This year, the City of Toronto has also partnered with Petzlove Pet Food to provide free cat and dog food through pop-up pet food banks at Chip Truck events. Residents can pick up free cat and dog food with the purchase or proof of a valid City pet licence, while supplies last.
Provincial regulations require dogs and cats to be immunized against rabies when they are three months or older. At the mobile clinic, a TAS veterinarian will administer a rabies vaccine and insert a microchip.
The cost of a microchip and rabies vaccine is $15 per cat and $25 per dog. Pet owners who already have a valid City pet licence pay $10 for a microchip and/or rabies vaccine. Pet owners may qualify for reduced or waived fees based on their income. To apply at the event, proof of income such as a 2021 T4, 2021 Notice of Assessment, Ontario Disability Support Program or Ontario Works statement must be provided.
Registration for the event is not required and services will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. While attending Chip Truck events, pet owners are required to have their dog on a leash and cats must be contained in a pet carrier. Participants are asked to bring a piece of photo identification.
A registered microchip gives owners the best chance to find their pet if they run away or become lost. Animal shelter staff, veterinarians and animal control officers routinely look for microchips to return lost pets to their owners quickly. Microchips are also placed in all cats, dogs and rabbits that are adopted through the City’s shelters.
The City also requires pet owners to obtain a licence for their cat and dog, which must be renewed every year. With the purchase of a pet licence, residents will have the opportunity to enrol in the BluePaw incentive program to receive discounts at certain animal retailers and groomers. More information about the BluePaw incentive program is available on the City’s BluePaw Partners webpage.
TAS shelters received more than 1,700 lost pets in 2021. Residents should ensure their address and contact information associated with their microchip and pet licence is up to date to make it easier to reunite them with their pets should they get lost.
Additional dates and locations for the chip truck are available on the City’s Chip Truck webpage.
Quotes:
“The Toronto Animal Services’ mobile Chip Truck is one of many initiatives that has led to a dramatic improvement in animal welfare in the city. It’s great to see it return to communities across Toronto this summer to provide support to residents who may find it challenging to access these services.”
– Mayor John Tory
“As a Toronto-based company, not only do we love our dogs and cats, we understand the importance of community, and partnering with the City of Toronto has given us an amazing opportunity to give back to Torontonians. The City has created an amazing initiative that allows us to share our delicious Superfood with Toronto pet owners who may be struggling financially. At Petzlove® Pet Food, we strive to give the best to our dogs and cats just like how we would treat our own children!”
– Hank Liu, CEO, Petzlove® Pet Food
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