The City of Great Falls Animal Shelter, in partnership with Great Falls Fire Rescue and with generous support from Horizon Credit Union, will host a low-cost microchip clinic on Monday, October 20, from 4–6 p.m. at Fire Station 1 (105 9th Street South).
This first-come, first-served event offers “pay what you can” microchipping services, with a suggested donation of $10 per pet. No appointments are necessary. This will be the first in a series of neighborhood microchip events aimed at improving pet safety and reducing stray intakes in high-need areas across Great Falls.
The clinic is open to owned dogs and cats only. Owners are required to bring proof of current rabies vaccination, have dogs on leashes, and ensure cats are in secure carriers. Animals that require muzzling or calming medication for vaccinations should not be brought to this event.
Microchipping provides permanent identification that can’t fall off or fade over time and significantly improves the odds of reunion. Studies show that microchipped pets are up to 20 times more likely to be returned to their owners—and shelters can often contact families within hours rather than days.
A microchip is only as effective as the information it contains. If you believe your pet may already be microchipped, bring them by—shelter staff can scan to check if a chip is present and provide the chip number so you can update your contact information.
How Microchips Work
A small microchip is quickly implanted just under a pet’s skin and linked to the owner’s contact information in a national registry. When a lost pet is found, a scanner reads the chip’s unique ID number, allowing veterinarians or shelter staff to contact the owner and reunite them.
A microchip scanner will also be available on-site for pet owners who are unsure whether their pet already has a chip or do not know the chip number. Shelter staff can assist with scanning and provide guidance on how to register or update contact information—after all, a microchip is only as good as the data it contains.
Key Facts
• Microchipped pets are up to 20 times more likely to be returned home
• Quick, safe, and nearly painless procedure
• Permanent, tamper-proof identification
• No batteries or charging required
• Registration and updated contact information are essential
The Great Falls Animal Shelter also provides after-hours microchip scanning for found pets. A public scanner is mounted outside the shelter’s main entrance, allowing residents to check for a chip and help reunite lost animals with their families—even when the shelter is closed.
Media & Public Inquiries:
Joseph Parchen
Community Relations Specialist
City of Great Falls Animal Shelter
1010 25th Ave NE | Great Falls, MT 59403
(406) 454-2276 | jparchen@greatfallsmt.net
By Joseph Parchen, City of Great Falls Animal Shelter: October 9, 2025 – Great Falls, Mt
Author: Staff
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