The Citrus Heights Police Department’s Animal Services Division will host its third free pet microchipping event on Saturday, Jan. 10 in the Costco parking lot, 7000 Auburn Boulevard. Photo courtesy of Citrus Heights Police Department

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - It’s “Chip Chip Hooray” for dogs and cats living within the city limits, who can receive a free pet microchip to help them find their way home quickly and safely.

The Citrus Heights Police Department’s Animal Services Division will host its third free pet microchipping event on Saturday, Jan. 10 at the Costco parking lot, 7000 Auburn Blvd. in Citrus Heights, said Marisa Brown, city communications officer.

Former Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa had announced the launch of “Chip Chip Hooray,” a free microchipping initiative during the Citrus Heights 2025 State of the City address in early November.

Brown said the upcoming event is a continuing part of the city’s ongoing effort to promote responsible pet ownership and ensure lost pets can be quickly reunited with their families.

“Our November and December microchip and pet licensing events successfully helped residents protect their pets through proper identification,” Brown said. “Microchips and current pet licensing are essential tools to help reunite lost animals with their owners as quickly as possible.”

The implanted chips can be read quickly by members of the Citrus Heights Police Department’s Animal Services Division once a lost pet is received.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, microchipped dogs are more than twice as likely to be returned home, and microchipped cats are 20 times more likely to make it back to their families.

Proof of residency in the city of Citrus Heights is required, but there is no cost for the pet microchipping service. Licensing information will also be available at the Jan. 10 event, Brown said.

Dogs should be leashed, and cats should be secured in a carrier for their safety, Brown said. 

Per Citrus Heights Municipal Code § 8-90, all dogs and cats over four months of age must be licensed. The free “Chip Chip Hooray” event provides a convenient, no-cost opportunity to meet that requirement while also enhancing your pet’s safety with a microchip.

Two previous public events, one near Sylvan Corners at 7569 Old Auburn Road and a second at 6510 Antelope Road near Stones Gambling Hall, were well attended, according to the Citrus Heights Police Department.

Residents can also visit CitrusHeights.net/Pets and follow the prompts to license their pet or schedule a microchip appointment. Online license payments can also be completed through the city website.

Registration applications can be submitted through the mail for those who prefer paper forms. City staff can also assist with licensing or microchip needs over the phone at 916-727-5517.