San Antonio Launches Free Pet Microchip Scanning Stations

San Antonio Animal Care Services and the San Antonio Fire Department are launching a new resource to help reunite lost pets with their families. Over the next week, free pet microchip scanning stations will become operational outside 11 San Antonio fire stations and the SAACS main campus.

The stations will provide round-the-clock access to pet reunification tools in neighborhoods across the city. Residents who safely contain a found dog or cat can visit a participating location at any time, seven days a week, to check whether the animal has a microchip.

Microchips are small, permanent identification devices implanted beneath a pet’s skin. Each chip has a unique number connected to a registry containing the owner’s contact information. Microchipping is mandatory for dogs and cats living within San Antonio city limits, and pet guardians must keep registration information current.

Instructions at each station will explain how to use the secured scanner and what to do if a chip is detected. The locations are not animal intake or surrender sites. Residents should not leave animals unattended at a scanning station or on fire station property.

Animals that are injured, aggressive or cannot be safely handled should be reported to 311 or 210-207-6000 for assistance.

The pilot project is intended to reduce unnecessary shelter intake while helping residents take an active role in returning found pets to their families. Animal Care Services Director Jon Gary said the partnership with the fire department will provide the resource in every San Antonio city council district. Fire Chief Valerie Frausto said the initiative gives residents another practical tool for helping lost pets get home.

A map of scanning locations and additional guidance for helping a found pet are available at SAACS.info/petscan.