Chennai, Nov 15 (NationPress) As the November 23 deadline approaches for microchipping pet dogs, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is facing significant challenges, including overwhelming crowds, technical issues, and rising dissatisfaction among pet owners trying to complete this essential process.

The civic body has acquired 200,000 microchip devices along with 80 RFID readers, investing ₹5.19 crore. Although each chip is priced at about ₹300, GCC is providing the microchipping service free at select centers.

This initiative is designed to establish a thorough database of pet dogs for improved urban animal management, according to Kamal Hussain, a veterinary officer with the Corporation.

Currently, microchipping services are available at six locations — Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar, Pulianthope, Nungambakkam, Royapettah, T Nagar, and Nanganallur — which operate throughout the week.

In Sholinganallur, however, services are offered only on Sundays, as per officials.

The limited availability of centers has led to long waiting times and overcrowding.

Residents report enduring long waits, often leaving without having their pets attended to.

“At this rate, meeting the deadline seems impossible,” expressed a frustrated pet owner, calling on authorities to either extend the deadline or open more microchipping sites across the city.

To alleviate the strain on GCC facilities, the Corporation has permitted private veterinary clinics to perform microchipping. Nonetheless, this decision has sparked worries over varying prices.

While many clinics charge between ₹500 and ₹750 depending on the breed, others reportedly ask for as much as ₹3,000 for the same service, leading to complaints from pet owners already stressed by the impending deadline.

Additionally, numerous residents have noted that the GCC portal fails to update their microchip information or rabies vaccination records, even after receiving services at private clinics.

Many claim their license status remains ‘pending’ despite having uploaded all necessary documentation.

Lack of clear guidelines or FAQs on the GCC website has further compounded user confusion.

Meanwhile, the congestion at the centers has sparked occasional altercations among dogs waiting in line, with some owners suggesting the use of muzzles to prevent fights during the wait.

Deputy Mayor Mahesh Kumar stated that if the public formally requests it, the Corporation is willing to consider extending the deadline, providing a glimmer of hope to the many still striving to complete the process.