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Local nonprofit offers 24/7 microchip scanning stations to speed pet reunification
Summary
A Chesapeake-based nonprofit, Reunite Tonight, asked Hampton City Council to partner on publicly accessible microchip-scanning stations to reduce shelter intake and help families reclaim lost pets outside shelter hours; city staff expressed interest and offered follow-up.
A representative of Reunite Tonight told Hampton City Council the nonprofit installs publicly accessible microchip-scanning stations that allow community members to scan found pets and begin reunification without waiting for shelters to open.
"We install publicly accessible microchip scanning stations that allow community members to scan a found pet and begin the reunification process immediately," Megan Baker said during the public comment period. She said the nonprofit funds the stations at no cost to municipalities and provides microchip education and vouchers.
City Manager staff acknowledged the concept and noted animal-control officers already have scanners but are not on duty 24/7; staff offered to meet the group to discuss locations and cost and noted a city official would follow up to explore partnerships. A local resident also offered to purchase the first device to demonstrate the program in Hampton.
