Hardware

Alaska animal shelter installs 24/7 pet microchip scanner

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July 29, 2026

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The Fairbanks North Star Borough Animal Shelter in Alaska has installed a free, self-service microchip scanning station outside its facility, according to a KTUU News report. Available around the clock, the station allows anyone who finds a stray dog or cat to check for a chip and contact the registry, which can then notify the animal's owner. Donated by 907 Chip, it is the seventh such station installed in Alaska.

Shelter officials expect the station to reunite pets with their owners more quickly while reducing the number of animals placed in stressful after-hours drop-off cages. Residents should still report found animals to the shelter if the public scanner does not detect a chip, because staff can conduct another scan with shelter equipment. The shelter also offers free microchipping by appointment and encourages owners to keep their registration information current.