Finding the owner of a lost pet just got easier in Round Rock with the launch of public microchip reader stations at local businesses.
Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter has rolled out microchip reader stations outside businesses in Round Rock, allowing anyone who finds a pet to quickly scan for a microchip ID number and use it to help contact the owner. The shelter first piloted the stations outside its Services Center in Georgetown and is now expanding the program with multiple “Reunion Stations” across Round Rock.
Reunion Stations have since been placed at Round Rock Yoga, 106 S. Mays St., and Austin Pets Alive! thrift store, 913 N. Interstate 35.
The chip readers are housed within metal stands, formerly used as newspaper racks. When accessed, the readers provide a nine- to 15-digit number registered to the pet’s owner. They can then be contacted through the manufacturer of the chip or directly, depending on information on file.
April Peiffer, community engagement coordinator for the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, said the goal is to make it easier for anyone who finds a pet to take the next step toward getting it home. The stations are located outdoors, so they are publicly accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Local business owners said they decided to participate as a simple way to support animal welfare in the community.
“Being animal-related, people come in [the thrift stores] and say, ‘I found this lost pet,’” said Derrick Ernst, Austin Pets Alive director of retail operations. “This is amazing. That is all about what we do: we rehome.”
The readers can also be used by pet owners to check whether a dog or cat’s microchip is still in place and working, said Zelinda Yañez of Round Rock Yoga, who has volunteered at the Williamson County shelter.
“It’s probably a good idea to check chips every now and then,” Yañez said.
Additional stations are available; contact the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter for more information on obtaining a Reunion Station for your business or organization at 512-943-3322 or wcras@wilco.org.
