Livonia unveils 24/7 microchip-scanning station to help reunite lost pets

Officer Kehoe, a City of Livonia animal control officer, demonstrated a new public microchip-scanning station and explained how residents can use it to reunite lost pets with their owners.

The portable scanner, kept in a weatherproof box at the station, is described as universal for most implanted microchips. Officer Kehoe said users should power the device on with the red button, then press the center red button to begin scanning.

"You don't need to make contact with the pet, just in the general area," Officer Kehoe said, demonstrating that the device should be swept down the animal's back and legs to detect an implanted microchip.

If the scanner detects a chip, it displays a number on its screen. Officer Kehoe instructed users to use a smartphone to scan the QR code posted at the station and select the universal microchip lookup. "Once we have that number we're gonna take out our smartphone, you're gonna select the QR code on our sign which will direct you to the universal microchip lookup," they said. Entering the displayed number should return the microchip company and contact information so the owner can be reached.

If no microchip is found, Officer Kehoe advised contacting Livonia Animal Control during regular business hours or calling the police department for assistance and guidance on where to take the animal.

Users are asked to place the scanner back in its box and secure the door after use to keep the equipment protected. Officer Kehoe said the station aims to help reunite lost pets with their owners and reduce unnecessary shelter intakes.