EFFINGHAM, Ga. (WTOC) – There’s a new way to help reunite lost pets with their owners in Effingham County.
The county’s animal shelter is using updated technology to solve the problem. The director saw something on social media, took the initiative, and now there are four chip readers throughout the county.
Lorna Shelton tapped down the dirt and quick cement to set the fourth and final pet chip reader she’s placed throughout the county with the help of some volunteers and a local animal corporation.
“Thought, I can do this, so I went to HOPE, which is Helping Out Pets in Effingham, and I said I need these AKC scanners but they’re a couple hundred dollars a piece, can you buy these for me, and she said, ‘sure’,” said Effingham County Animal Shelter Director, Lorna Shelton.
Boxes are located at four fire stations throughout the county, Springfield, Guyton, Goshen Road, and Faulkville and cost roughly $275 each.
“I opted to pick fire stations that are manned; you got somebody that’s possibly around to protect you, you’re not just stuck in the middle of nowhere,” said Shelton.
So, if you spot a dog or cat on the loose and feel comfortable enough taking it in, head to one of the stations.
Open the box, pull out the chip reader, and scan the pet until you hear the beep.
A chip ID number will appear and then you can call the company who can link you to the owner.
Shelton says if you can start the reunion process as soon as possible instead of perhaps waiting days until the shelter is open and can take the pet, it’s a win.
“The whole goal is to keep animals in their home, that’s goal of the shelter; let’s keep your animals at home,” said Shelton.
The handheld devices, housed in a waterproof box, are positioned at Station 9 at 737 Roebling Road in Faulkville, Station 12 at 1171 Ga. Hwy 119 North in Springfield, Station 13 at 91 Springfield Avenue in Guyton and at Station 16 at 109 Goshen Commercial Park in Rincon.
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