Denison Installs Public Pet Microchip Scanner to Reunite Lost Pets Faster

A new initiative in Denison Texas is putting the power to reunite lost pets directly into the community’s hands. The Denison Police Department Animal Services Division has partnered with the Denison Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) and a local Eagle Scout to install a public microchip scanning station outside DAWG’s facility.

The station allows anyone to scan a found pet — day or night — and provides step-by-step instructions for checking the microchip number and contacting the pet’s owner. By empowering residents to safely verify and return lost pets, the program aims to reduce animal service calls, decrease shelter intake, and reunite animals with their families more efficiently.

The Eagle Scout behind the project designed, built, and installed the station as part of his Eagle Scout service project. The concept was presented to the Denison Police Department in September 2025 and is now nearly ready for public use.

Why This Matters

Microchip scanning has long been a critical tool for reuniting lost pets with owners, but access has traditionally been limited to shelters, veterinary clinics, or animal control officers. Public access points like DAWG’s station allow any community member to play an active role in animal recovery.

Studies show that microchipped pets are far more likely to be returned home than non-microchipped animals, and reducing shelter intakes also helps alleviate overcrowding, which is a well-documented issue in urban and rural areas alike. Dogs and cats in high-stress shelter environments often experience health and behavioral deterioration, so community-based reunification programs can make a tangible difference.

Local Context – Las Vegas and Beyond

While public microchip scanning stations are still relatively rare in the U.S., Las Vegas residents have seen similar community-driven initiatives in recent years. For example:

• PAWS Patrol Las Vegas frequently organizes community microchipping events to help reduce stray intakes and increase the likelihood of lost pets returning home.
• Some local veterinary clinics, such as The Animal Foundation, offer public microchip scanning during adoption events or for found pets brought in by residents.
• Broader public awareness campaigns in Las Vegas encourage pet owners to register microchips with national databases, highlighting how technology can empower communities to save pets’ lives.

Programs like Denison’s demonstrate the potential of community-driven technology in animal welfare, giving neighbors a tangible way to protect pets and support local shelters. If widely adopted, public microchip stations could reduce shelter overcrowding, speed up reunions, and strengthen the role of nonprofit organizations and volunteer groups in everyday pet rescue.