Three pet microchip scanning stations were installed this week that will give people who find a lost pet access to a scanner that can determine whether the animal has a microchip. The scanning stations, which were funded by an anonymous donor, are located at:
- Fire Station 6, 3591 Park Vista Rd.
- Heights Recreation Center, 711 W. Arapaho Rd.
- Huffhines Recreation Center, 200 N. Plano Rd.
The scanners are located inside colorful boxes. Instructions on how to use the scanner are visible next to the scanner.
- Turn the scanner and slowly move the scanner along the pet’s back, beginning at the base of the skull and continuing down the tail and then legs.
- If a microchip is found, the scanner will display an identification number that can be entered into a free registry lookup tool to identify registries that may have the pet owner’s contact information.
- If no microchip is detected, check the pet for identification or rabies tags and report the pet to the Richardson Animal Shelter.
Pet owners are encouraged to make sure their pets are microchipped and periodically check to that the phone number, address and other contact information are current with the appropriate registry. Completing these small steps can make all the difference if a pet ever goes missing.
Microchipping can be done at the Animal Shelter, at no cost thanks to Friends of Rescue Animals. An appointment is not needed, but is highly recommended.
