What is a Pet Microchip Scanning Station?

Our newest community project at Little Whiskers are free-to-use, publicly located, microchip scanning stations. A pet microchip scanning station is a publicly accessible kiosk equipped with a handheld microchip scanner.

These stations are designed to help community members, who find a lost dog or cat, quickly check for a microchip.

These self-service kiosks will allow anyone who finds a lost pet to quickly and easily scan them for a microchip. If the animal has a registered chip, it helps get them back home safely.  If no chip is found, the kiosk provides clear instructions on next steps to make sure the pet gets the care and help it needs.

This project will make a HUGE difference in reuniting pets with their families and reducing the number of animals entering shelters.

But we can’t do it alone – we need community sponsors to help bring these kiosks to life!

  • Reunites pets and families faster – no waiting for a vet’s office or shelter to open.

  • Reduces shelter overcrowding – lost pets can be returned home without entering the system.

  • Empowers the community – anyone can help a lost animal safely and responsibly.

How Microchip Scanning Stations work

  • 1

    A person who finds a lost pet brings it to a microchip scanning kiosk.

  • 2

    The scanner is removed from its waterproof box and powered on with a button.

  • 3

    The scanner is slowly waved over the pet’s body – usually starting at the base of the skull and moving down to the tail, then along the legs if needed.

  • 4
    If a microchip is detected, the scanner displays the chip number.
  • 5
    Instructions on the kiosk guide the finder on how to report the number so the pet’s owner can be contacted.
  • 6
    If no chip is found, the kiosk provides steps on what to do next, such as contacting local rescues or animal control.

Sponsor a microchip scanning station for your community