Picayune Police Department now provides after-hours microchip scanning for found pets at its station at 5000 Wildwood Drive, the department said in a Facebook post. Scanning also remains free at the city animal shelter or any veterinary office during their normal business hours, the post said.
The sign and scanner are located on the west side of the police building near designated safe-exchange spots and include clear instructions on how to scan an animal, the department said. If a microchip is detected, a number will appear on the scanner. One QR code on the sign links to a website where the number can be entered to identify the microchip company and obtain a contact phone number.
A second QR code takes users to the shelter’s website, where they can submit a found-animal request and view lost-animal reports to see if an owner has reported the pet missing, the post said. The scanner was placed at the police department because 24-hour surveillance may discourage people from abandoning found animals there.
The department said that if an owner cannot be reached, the finder is responsible for the animal until arrangements can be made with the SPCA on the following business day. The post thanked PRCSPCA volunteer Donna Lowe for funding the project and providing installation. Microchips are commonly used to help reunite lost pets with their owners. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
