A Record-Breaking Pet-a-Palooza for BC Pet Registry
Pet-a-Palooza, known as Vancouver’s biggest dog-friendly festival, was a tremendous success this year! Our team, along with dedicated volunteers, came together with a single mission: ensuring pets have up-to-date microchip registrations. We scanned 255 pets, of which 213 were already registered. However, 42 pets—about 16.5%—were found to be unregistered, highlighting the ongoing need for awareness.
So, what does this mean for pet owners? If those 42 pets had gone missing that day, veterinary and rescue staff would have had no way to contact their owners directly. Imagine the stress these lost pets would endure, brought into an unfamiliar environment and facing unnecessary delays. This underscores the critical importance of not only microchipping pets but also ensuring that their microchip information is registered and up to date.
Our presence at this event is vital for BC Pet Registry, where we promote the importance of permanent identification through microchips. Compared to last year, where we scanned 159 dogs and found that 40 (25%) were unregistered, we’ve seen significant improvement. It’s reassuring to know that more pet owners are taking steps to ensure their furry friends can be easily reunited with them if they go missing.
The Power of Community: Thank You, Volunteers!
The success of Pet-a-Palooza wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our seven incredible volunteers. They braved the heat and prepared extensively before the event, studying BC Pet Registry’s mission and procedures to better assist pet owners. This dedication was evident throughout the day, with every volunteer working tirelessly to make sure we reached as many pet guardians as possible. Whether it was guiding owners through the microchip registration process or simply engaging the public, our volunteers showed true passion for helping animals and their communities.
A special thank you goes to Hoda, who has volunteered with the BC Pet Registry for three years in a row and is now the most experienced volunteer in our program. Her commitment and expertise have been invaluable in guiding both pet owners and fellow volunteers.
The Importance of Microchip Registration
Getting a microchip is a great first step, but registration of the microchip number is equally important. Don’t have a microchip yet? Consult your vet to see if your pet is a good candidate to get one. Already have a microchip? Login to your account to ensure your microchip is registered and that the information is inputted accurately.
If you’d like to learn more about the importance of keeping your pet’s microchip details current, check out our blog on understanding microchipping myths and facts or explore how we’ve supported our community through our microchip clinic in Tri-Cities.
Reflecting on Our Community Impact
Pet-a-Palooza is traditionally our busiest event, and this year was no different. Scanning over 250 animals is no small feat, and it’s something we should all be proud of. By educating pet owners and checking registrations, we’ve taken crucial steps toward reuniting lost pets with their families. As a non-profit registry, our mission goes beyond simply scanning microchips—we strive to build a community where pets are protected, and owners have peace of mind.
Did you miss us at this event? Stay tuned for upcoming events by following BC SPCA on social media. Watch out for us at next year’s Pet-a-Palooza events!
Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, or simply stopped by to learn more. We look forward to continuing this important work at future events – please help spread the word!
