Pet Helpers opens Charleston microchip scanner for lost pets

JAMES ISLAND — People who find wandering pets now will have an easier and more direct way to return the animal to their owner.

Pet Helpers launched their first pet microchip scanning station at James Island Town Hall on June 10. For pets, a microchip is a transponder the size of a grain of rice implanted under the skin. The microchip has an identification number that can be scanned to find information from a national database, like contact information for the pet owner.

Melissa Susko, executive director of Pet Helpers, said the stations are multipurpose — not only will it be easier for good Samaritans to help return stray pets, it will also keep animals out of the overcrowded shelters.

Susko told The Post and Courier she first heard about the success of the scanners at a Maddie's Fund workshop last summer. After hearing from national organizations about the scanning stations, she said she thought it would be a great idea. If someone picks up a stray animal when vets and shelters are closed, there are limited options for where to take the pet.

She was able to put a plan into action after receiving a $10,000 grant from KFC Foundation Wishes last year. The grant covers everything, from the station itself — which resembles a newspaper stand — to the scanner, which costs a couple hundred dollars, Susko said.

Located right next to James Island Town Hall, the scanner is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The scanner is easy to use: after turning it on, run it down the pet's body until it beeps. JJ Steele, marketing manager at Pet Helpers, said microchips are usually in the right shoulder, but can move throughout the body over time.

A 9-, 10- or 15-digit code will show up on the scanner, and through a national database available via QR code at the station people will learn more about who the pet is registered to and how far away they are. The info also includes the phone number of the microchip company, who can share who the pet owner is.

Often, Steele said, the company won't allow someone who finds a stray pet to directly contact the owner, but will contact the owner themselves. Despite this, she said the process helps “register the pet as missing” and can initiate contact with the owner.

If the animal doesn’t have a microchip, then it should be housed overnight or taken to the nearest shelter during business hours, Susko said.

James Island Mayor Brook Lyon said the new station is a great way to expedite reuniting pets with their owners and take pressure off of shelters.

She added it should be helpful for those who find wandering pets during off hours.

“Every time I’ve ever found a stray dog it seems like it's on a Sunday morning or 6 o’clock at night when none of the vets are open and the shelters are closed,” Lyon said.

Susko said the scanning station on James Island is only the first of five planned for the Charleston area. She hopes to install one on Folly Beach by the end of July, and on Johns Island, West Ashley and downtown Charleston by the end of the year.