Buffalo’s First Community Microchip Scan Station Opens as a New Lifeline for Lost Pets

Residents in Erie County have a new tool to help reunite lost pets with their families. The SPCA Serving Erie County is proud to announce the installation of a new microchip scan station at the Resource Council of WNY, located at 347 East Ferry Street in Buffalo.

This installation marks the first of its kind in Erie County, providing a free, accessible resource for the community to assist potentially lost animals. This project was made possible with assistance from PetSmart Charities.

Getting Pets Home Faster

Microchips are often the quickest way to identify a lost pet and connect them with their owner. The new scan station makes this technology easily available to the public. If a resident finds a stray dog or cat, they can use the station to check for a microchip, which can often bypass the need to transport the animal to a veterinary or animal control office.

“We are thrilled to bring this resource directly into the community,” said SPCA Serving Erie County President and CEO Cait Daly. “By placing a microchip scan station in an accessible location like the Resource Council, we’re empowering residents to take immediate action to help lost pets get back home.”

“When someone finds a lost pet, they want to help, but they don’t always have the means to drive to a shelter or a vet clinic,” said Catherine Roberts, President and CEO of the Resource Council of WNY. “Hosting this microchip scan station allows us to serve as a convenient, trusted hub where neighbors can take immediate action to reunite families with their pets.”

“Accessibility isn’t just about offering a service; it’s about where and how we offer it,” says Tyler Robertson, the SPCA’s Strategic Initiatives and Program Manager. “By placing this station directly on East Ferry Street with our partners at the Resource Council, we are empowering residents to help their neighbors when their pets are suddenly unexpectedly missing.”

How to Use the Scan Station

The scan station is designed for ease of use. If you find a stray animal, please follow these steps:

– Start at the animal’s shoulder blades, (the most common site for a chip), and move the scanner slowly in an “S” shape across the entire body.

– Microchips can move and shift, so be sure to scan the neck, legs, and back as well.

– If a chip isn’t found, try scanning again at a different angle.

– Once a microchip number appears, enter the number into a universal microchip lookup site to find the owner’s information or the microchip company’s contact details.

What to Do If a Microchip Isn’t Found

If a microchip isn’t found, the SPCA encourages residents to utilize local lost-and-found pet groups on Facebook like WNY Lost & Found Pets, Pet Alert of WNY, WNY Lost and Found Pets, and Lost and Found Pets of WNY. For dogs found within the City of Buffalo, please contact the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter at (716) 851-5694.

For more information on scanning animals or to view additional resources, visit our Microchip Scan Station page.