Dog, rabbit, ferret and cat owners are invited to attend a microchip clinic and non-denominational animal blessing service on Aug. 18, at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa in Des Moines. The animal shelter is sponsoring the clinic and the blessing service to observe National Homeless Animals Day.
The microchip clinic will run from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Education and Training Center behind the main shelter. Cost for the procedure is $30. Dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets can be outfitted with identifying microchips, according to shelter staff.
The Blessing of the Animals will start at 7 p.m. on the shelter’s south lawn. All species of animals are invited to attend, but they must remain on a leash or in a carrier. The service will conclude with an individual blessing of each animal in attendance. Pet lovers can also bring ashes or photos for the blessing.
For more information about the microchip clinic and blessing service, visit the ARL website.