San Diego Humane Society is offering free pet microchips through July 3 as animal shelters prepare for the Fourth of July, when fireworks often send frightened pets running from homes and yards.

East County Magazine reported that the free microchips are available at the Humane Society's campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego. Appointments are encouraged through the organization, but walk-ins are being accepted without an added microchipping fee.

The Humane Society is also waiving reclaim fees for lost pets brought to its shelters through July 7. According to the report, 253 stray pets were brought to San Diego Humane Society shelters during the July 4-7 holiday period last year, and 84 were reclaimed by their owners.

For Santee families, the closest San Diego Humane Society campus is in El Cajon, making this a practical window to update a pet's identification before fireworks begin. The organization recommends current ID tags, up-to-date dog licenses, indoor safe spaces and early conversations with a veterinarian for pets with severe noise anxiety.

If a pet goes missing during the holiday period, owners can text LOST to 858-SAN-LOST for guidance and check the Humane Society's lost pets page. Source: East County Magazine, "San Diego Humane Society braces for July 4th surge, offers free microchips to keep pets safe," June 29, 2026.