Macaé City Hall promotes several free services aimed at pets Ana Chaffin - Social Communication Pets are increasingly present in Brazilian homes and, in Macaé, they are already legally recognized as part of the family. Through the Municipal Department of Animal Protection and Defense, the municipality offers several free services aimed at pets and investigates reports of mistreatment or vulnerability. This year, comprehensive care gained a new milestone: the burial of domestic animals in their guardians' graves also became authorized in the city. This assistance begins with population control and preventive medicine. In Macaé, owners can neuter their pets free of charge, in an initiative that reduces public health risks and prevents abandonment. The program goes beyond surgery and includes pre-examinations, post-operative medications and follow-up to ensure the animal's full recovery. In addition, the municipality offers free routine veterinary care, carried out on a first-come, first-served basis, where the owner leaves the appointment with the prescription in hand and, if necessary, a scheduled return date. The municipality also offers a microchipping service free of charge. The procedure, simple and painless, consists of applying a microchip the size of a grain of rice under the animal's skin. The device works as a lifelong digital identity for the pet and stores the pet's and its guardian's main information. In addition to assisting in locating in case of loss, technology is a strong ally in combating abandonment and mistreatment, allowing quick identification and holding guardians accountable. Guardians take advantage of free services offered in a special action Ana Chaffin - Social Communication In addition to lifelong care, this year Macaé took a pioneering step in the legal recognition of pets as members of the family. Through Law No. 5,539/2026 of Macaé, domestic animals have the right to be buried in the family graves of their guardians. The rule is valid for public and private cemeteries, following specific health standards to guarantee environmental safety. After the new regulations, the municipality registered an increase in the search for deposits by families with dogs and cats. Animal protection In addition to promoting education and awareness among the population about responsible ownership, the City Hall works directly to investigate reports of mistreatment. Notifications can be made anonymously through the municipality’s official channels. Important contacts Reporting abuse: (22) 99285-6779 Animal castration: (22) 99105-1769 UBS Animal: (22) 99105-5937