WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – The Wichita Animal Shelter (WAS) added a microchip scanning station outside of its facility, helping to speed up potential reunions between lost or missing pets and their owners.
The station allows residents to scan stray animals for a microchip, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The shelter pointed out that each year, more than 7,000 animals are left at the facility because they couldn’t be reunited with their owner.
The microchips provide lifelong, permanent identification for pets. When a microchip is scanned, it displays a unique number that directly links to the owner’s contact information. The software used allows owners to update their contact information as needed.
“Many lost pets are just a few blocks from home,” said Wichita Animal Services Manager Emily Hurst. “When a found pet is scanned, owners can often be contacted within minutes. This prevents unnecessary shelter stays and reduces stress for both pets and families.”…