On July 20, BC SPCA Vancouver together with the BC SPCA Vancouver Hospital hosted a free microchip clinic, welcoming pet guardians from across the Lower Mainland. With the support from the BC Pet Registry, 46 pets received microchips and lifetime registration. The event also featured fun for the whole family including a Piggie Palooza and an education station for kids. The event highlighted the importance of accessible microchipping and registration. Learn how this initiative aligns with the BC SPCA’s mission and what it means for community welfare.
On Sunday, July 20, pet guardians from across the Lower Mainland came together at BC SPCA Vancouver for a heartwarming community day and free microchip clinic. Families traveled from Richmond, Burnaby, Langley, Maple Ridge, and beyond to protect their pets for life.
Making Pet Microchipping Accessible
A total of 46 pets received a microchip, and even better—lifetime registration with the BC Pet Registry was included. That means no renewal fees, no subscriptions—just permanent protection. Microchipping typically costs $60–$125 at private clinics. By offering this service for free, the BC SPCA made pet identification accessible for more families, especially in a time when the cost of living is rising.
Many grateful participants chose to give back with donations, supporting the BC SPCA’s ongoing work in the community. When we lift each other up, our pets benefit the most.
Why Registration Matters
A microchip without registration is like a phone without service—it won’t help your pet get home. While many guardians say “it is registered with my vet” – storing the microchip number at their vet is not enough. If your pet goes missing, the finder won’t know to call your vet—they’ll scan for a microchip and search a registry lookup tool.
If your pet isn’t registered in a North American database, there’s a high chance you’ll never receive that call.
And while your pet waits in an unfamiliar place, the stress can take a toll. Even in loving shelters, it’s not the same as being home. New smells, strange sounds, and separation from family can cause anxiety and fear. Registration helps prevent that trauma by reducing the time your pet spends away from you.
A registered microchip is the fastest, most reliable way to bring a lost pet home—safely and quickly.
Real Stories, Real Reunions
Our mission is simple: help lost pets return home. These stories show how permanent ID makes it possible.
Every scan that leads to a call means another family is made whole again.
A Heartfelt Thank You to the Team
This free microchip clinic in Vancouver was made possible thanks to the passionate individuals who gave their time, energy, and expertise to support pet guardians across the Lower Mainland.
We’re deeply grateful to Jodie Dunlop and Carrie Brulotte from the BC SPCA for their outstanding organization and leadership. Their behind-the-scenes efforts ensured everything ran seamlessly—from check-in to final scan.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Kyla Townsend for generously volunteering her time to microchip every pet with care and professionalism, and to Kathleen Connolly who volunteered her time off to assist Dr. Townsend and ensure every animal felt safe and at ease.
Our thanks also go to Natalie Robinson, our humane educator, for running the kids’ table and sparking conversations about the importance of permanent ID—even with the youngest pet lovers.
And of course, a big shoutout to Diane Nishikihama, BC SPCA Tri-Cities Manager, and her volunteers for supervising the ever-popular Piggie Palooza and ensuring our guinea pig ambassadors were well cared for and comfortable throughout the event. We’re thrilled to share that five guinea pigs found loving homes that day!
We are incredibly proud of what we accomplished together. There’s no registry quite like ours—our genuine care for animal welfare shines through in community events like this. Because we don’t just manage data—we help bring pets home. Whether you’re a veterinary clinic choosing to purchase microchips or a pet guardian registering your pet’s ID, your support matters. When you choose us, you’re choosing a registry that gives back—and you’re making a real difference.
Our Vision – Animals and People Thriving Together
As part of the BC SPCA’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, one of our key priorities is to identify and address the root causes of animal suffering. Too often, lost pets arrive at shelters with no identification, outdated information, or unregistered microchips.
When this happens, animals experience unnecessary anxiety and stress as they are brought into an unfamiliar shelter environment.
To help reduce this type of suffering, our goal is to educate the public on the importance of both microchipping and proper registration—ensuring pets can be quickly reunited with their families and avoid the distress of shelter intake. The faster a pet is reunited with their family, the better for everyone involved.
Check Out More Community Impact
This is just one of many initiatives that BC Pet Registry and the BC SPCA have led this year. Curious how we’ve supported pet guardians across B.C.? Explore more here: Community News
Be Part of the 80% Who Get It Right
We urge all Vancouver pet guardians to be part of the 80% who get it right—register your pet’s microchip and keep the information up to date.
With just your microchip number or tattoo code, you can register your pet online in minutes. For a one-time fee of $45, your pet is protected for life—and you’re supporting the BC SPCA’s life-saving programs.
FAQs
1. Why is microchip registration important for pets?
Registration ensures that your contact info is available when your pet is found. A microchip without registration is nearly useless.
2. How much does microchipping usually cost?
At private vet clinics, it typically costs between $60 and $125. The BC SPCA offers free or subsidized options during select events.
3. What does lifetime registration include?
It covers your pet’s ID for life with no annual fees. It also supports the BC SPCA’s programs to help more animals. Unlike other registries, there is no extra cost to make updates to your contact information or your pet’s details, including medical records as well as transfer of ownership.
4. What happens if my pet’s microchip isn’t registered?
If your pet goes missing, finders won’t be able to find you directly. Most finders won’t call your vet—they rely on registry lookups.
5. Will the BC SPCA host another microchip clinic soon?
Yes! Follow us on social media for upcoming clinics throughout the province.
