Get your pet a micro-chip at free event on Friday

The National Animal Welfare Society will offer free micro-chipping by appointment only from noon to 8 p.m. Friday at Anderson Animal Shelter, 1000 S. LaFox (Route 31), South Elgin. For details or an appointment, call (219) 972-1120 by Thursday.

Donations are requested to help NAWS continue to offer these public programs.

Micro-chipping is a simple and effective way to make sure your pet can be identified should you become separated. A small microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted under the loose skin on the back of your pet's neck.

This microchip, which has a unique identification number, remains a permanent means of identification for your pet. This provides your pet with a secure proof of identity, unlike collar tags, which can get lost or be taken off.

Your pet is registered on a national database and a handheld scanner used at the nearest animal shelter, animal control facility or veterinary clinic can easily read the chip when your pet is found.