On the weekend of October 20 and 21, Petstock Batemans Bay will offer $10 microchipping to pet owners to help make the service more accessible to everyone.

The initiative seeks to ensure more pets can be easily and quickly reunited when lost and help reduce pressure on rescue organisations caring for unclaimed family pets.

Owners are encouraged to bring in dogs, cats and small animals including rabbits and guinea pigs. However, horses, livestock, birds and reptiles will not be eligible.

In NSW, all cats and dogs must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age.

Nationwide, the rates of microchipping have risen over the last three years, with 83 per cent of dogs (up 7 per cent) and 72 per cent of cats (up 9 per cent) now chipped. Rates of microchipping remain highest in urban and suburban areas and in designer or pure breeds.

Petstock spokesperson Jess Guilfoyle, said she was thrilled for stores to offer the service at a discount during the blitz.

“Microchipping is mandatory in most states; however, thousands of pets have fallen through the cracks, whether that be due to the cost of microchipping or older pets that were already of age when mandatory laws were introduced,” Ms Guilfoyle said.

“Providing affordable and accessible microchipping to all pet owners allows more lost animals to be returned to their owners quickly and safely – both creating piece of mind for pet parents and reducing strain on rescue groups, particularly those that are volunteer-run.”

Contact the store to make an appointment.