Dogs: Get Free Shots and Microchips May 19

Pet care is expensive. Anyone with a dog or cat knows it's tough to get out of a vet visit spending under $100.

But the County of Santa Clara is partnering with VIP PetCare and Maddie’s Fund Pet Rescue Foundation to put on a free microchipping and rabies vaccine clinic later this month to help local pet owners keep costs down.

The event is scheduled for May 19 at 80 W. Highland Avenue, Building K in San Martin from 12-4 p.m.

"With a registered microchip, a lost pet will have a better chance to reunite with its owner," organizers said in a press release. "The County of Santa Clara Animal Control officers carry microchip scanners in their vehicles. When they pick up a stray animal, they scan it for a microchip. If the animal is wearing a license tag or has a registered microchip, the officers will be able to notify its owner."

Microchips are implanted through a syringe under the skin just like any other vaccination. Rabies shots will also be available and are required to obtain a dog license.