Townsville City Council wants to see more of the city's pets microchipped.
More than 5,000 of the region's registered dogs and close to 1,000 registered cats are unchipped.
To get more Townsville pets implanted with the unique identifiers, Council is hosting free microchipping days at its Animal Care and Adoption Centre during the first half of the year, with the next one scheduled for 9 February 2022.
Community Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Committee chairperson Maurie Soars said microchipping your animal was a vital part of being a responsible pet owner.
"A microchip is a lifetime identifier of the animal and helps to reunite escaped or lost pets with their owners," Cr Soars said.
"Microchipped animals have a much higher likelihood of being returned to their owners.
"I am encouraging everyone who owns a cat or a dog to do the responsible thing and get them microchipped."
The free event will be held once a month until June at the Animal Care and Adoption Centre, Tompkins Street, Shaw.
Free microchipping is only available to registered dogs and cats approved by Council and bookings are essential.
"Staff need to know numbers and make sure they have enough microchips on the day," Cr Soars said.
"The scheduled time helps staff to carry out COVID-19 protocols and allows time for them to answer any questions pet owners may have."
To book an appointment, call Council on 13 48 10.
