San Diego Humane Society Offers Free Microchips Ahead Of Fourth Of July Holiday

SAN DIEGO, CA — More pets go missing during the Fourth of July holiday than any other time of the year, prompting San Diego Humane Society to offer free microchips and waive pet reclaim fees through early July.

Between July 4 and 7 last year, 253 stray pets were brought to the organization's shelters, but only 84 — or 33% — were reunited with their owners, according to the organization.

To help improve those numbers, San Diego Humane Society is offering free microchipping through July 3 at its campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego. The service normally costs $30.

The organization said pets with identification are much more likely to be reunited with their families. So far in fiscal year 2026, 42% of stray adult dogs have been reclaimed by their owners, compared with 63% of dogs carrying identification such as a microchip, license or ID tag.

The humane society also recommends keeping pets indoors during fireworks, ensuring they wear collars with current identification tags and consulting a veterinarian if pets experience anxiety during fireworks.

Additionally, residents within the organization's jurisdiction can renew or obtain a dog license online at sdhumane.org/license.

If a pet does becomes lost, text "LOST" to 858-SAN-LOST and check San Diego Humane Society's Lost Pets webpage. The organization will waive reclaim fees through July 7 at all campuses.

San Diego Humane Society will be closed July 4 but staff will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to assist people bringing in stray animals or reclaiming lost pets by phone.