On Sunday, Louisville Metro Animal Services hosted its monthly drive-thru microchip clinic to help bring cats and dogs into compliance with a new local ordinance.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) — Louisville Metro Animal Services held its monthly drive-thru microchip clinic Sunday as part of an effort to ensure pets are microchipped and meet the requirements of a new ordinance.
In October 2025, Louisville Metro Council approved legislation requiring all dogs and cats over three months old within Metro Louisville to be microchipped.
Since the law took effect, ongoing efforts have focused on helping pet owners bring their animals into compliance.
At Sunday’s clinic, LMAS provided free microchips to the first 50 pets.
Amy Broers and her 7-year-old Irish Setter, Finnegan, were among those who received the service.
“Veterinary care can be very expensive, but pets are like our kids, so I want to do everything I can,” Broers said. “Being able to do it affordably is fantastic.”
Broers said she was impressed by how quick and simple the process was and feels reassured knowing her dog can now be identified in an emergency.
“I wouldn’t want anything to happen to Finnegan, and I hadn’t made it a priority before,” Broers said. “I’m glad it became a priority for me. It gives such a sense of security. I hope she never gets lost, but knowing she can be identified is a huge relief.”
Liz Miller, LMAS Lost and Found Coordinator, explained how the microchipping process works.
“Inside the needle is the microchip,” Miller said. “It’s about the size of a grain of rice, and it’s placed just under the skin.”
Miller said the increase in microchipped pets since the ordinance took effect has made a significant difference for staff.
“We can immediately identify the owner and contact them,” she said. “We also have wonderful people in the community who can scan pets and take them straight home.”
LMAS takes in between 20 and 40 lost dogs each day, and the ordinance is helping address ongoing overcrowding at the shelter.
“The more animals we return home, the fewer animals we have to euthanize,” Miller said.
LMAS hosts the drive-thru clinics monthly and encourages pet owners to check the organization’s Facebook page for details on the February clinic.
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