Orange County Animal Services Announces “Arm Your Pet” Event

Sets goal to vaccinate and microchip 650 pets 

Orange County, FL – Dog and cat owners in Orange County have another opportunity to vaccinate and microchip their pets at no cost. Orange County Animal Services (OCAS), a division of Orange County Government, will host two “Arm Your Pet” events, following the success of similar events held at the shelter in February. Services will be on a first-come, first-served basis and people must show proof of Orange County residency.

“During the two previous events, we were able to vaccinate and microchip 276 dogs and 129 cats,” said Diane Summers, manager for Orange County Animal Services. “The interest in these events was overwhelming, which indicates there is a real need for these services that can be a financial burden on pet owners.”

The event for dog owners will be Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Barnett Park. There is a limit of two dogs per household.

“Our goal is to provide microchips and vaccinations for up to 500 dogs. Over the past year, we’ve seen an increase in the number of dogs, especially puppies, arriving at the shelter with Parvovirus, a potentially lethal and highly contagious disease. Offering these vital services to so many pets will help us prevent the spread of viruses and illnesses within our community’s pet population.”

Microchip identification is key to ensuring lost pets are successfully reunited with their owners. A microchip is a small, permanent identification device that contains a unique identification number that links a pet with the owner’s contact information. Data from the American Veterinary Medical Association recently revealed that 52% of lost dogs with microchips entering shelters were returned to their families compared to just 22% without microchips.

The event for cats will be held Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Orange County Animal Services on Conroy Road. The goal is to vaccinate and microchip up to 150 cats.

“Arm Your Pet” Event for Dogs:

When: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Where: Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL
Time: 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Services provided:

• Microchip identification, including free registration of owner’s information in the national database.
• Rabies vaccine, which is required by the State of Florida.
• A combination vaccine providing protection from Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus (DAPP).
• Bordetella vaccine.

“Arm Your Pet” Event for Cats:

When: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Where: Orange County Animal Services, 2769 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL
Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Services provided:

• Microchip identification, including free registration of the owner’s information in the national database.
• Rabies vaccine, which is required by the State of Florida
• A combination vaccine providing protection from feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia (FVRCP).

More information on the available pets, services, and programs can be found on the shelter’s website.
Photos and Videos for use: https://ocfl.box.com/s/3u9wp5ff53h2eokkzt83e55z6tr8y3lg
**Please credit Orange County Animal Services**