The public had an opportunity to bring their dog and cats to Heritage Park on Saturday for the Friends of Animals hosted Low Cost Vaccination and Microchip Clinic.

According to spokesperson Sally Maes said a year ago about 150 out of 200 available forms were printed out for people attending. This year the event went through 200 and an additional 200 forms had to be printed so the event was well received. There were a lot of activities. “They’re getting vaccinations, they’re getting microchips, they’re getting toe nails clipped and they’re visiting some of these vendors that came in.”

A microchip is a small seed-like device about size of a piece of rice which is inserted. “And it’s got a certain number on it. If you run a scanner over it, it picks it up and tells you who the owner is. It’s a way to find your pet if it gets lost.”

This was done in the past at the 4-H Center but was moved to Heritage Park this year. In the past it was part of an annual pet fair, but the Friends of Animals are developing new ideas for the future. Maes noted they’re working on Tails by Twilight for the Fall and Santa Paws, and other activities are in the works.