The City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center will offer free microchips for pets on Friday, July 1st, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Any city resident with a current license can take their pet to the center, located on 201 South Mt. Vernon Avenue, to get the microchip. 

The center says each year around the 4th of July holiday, shelters see an increase in animal intakes due to fireworks and other loud noises scaring the pets into the streets. 

They say many of the pets are never reclaimed by their owners, due to financial constraints or lack of awareness. 

If a pet is microchipped and is lost, there will be discounted redemption fees July 5-9.