OKC Animal Welfare and the OKC Fire Department send this information as posted below:
Oklahoma City Animal Welfare is partnering with the Oklahoma City Fire Department to make it easier for families to reunite with their lost pets without the pet ever entering the shelter. Beginning in November, two Oklahoma City fire stations will be equipped with microchip scanners, providing the community with more flexible options to help a found pet return home.
Residents who find a stray pet can take it to one of the participating stations, where firefighters will scan the animal for a microchip. If a chip is found, the finder will receive the microchip number and instructions on how to look up the owner’s information, allowing them to quickly and directly reconnect the pet with its family.
Participating Fire Stations:
Station 25: 2701 SW 59th St.
Station 30: 4343 S. Lake Hefner Dr.
“It’s always better for a lost pet to go directly back home rather than spend time in the shelter,” said Ronnie Schlabs, Superintendent of the Oklahoma City Animal Welfare. “By working with the Fire Department, we’re making it easier for neighbors to help neighbors and giving families more opportunities to be reunited quickly. This partnership saves time, reduces stress on the animals, and ultimately saves lives. We are grateful to the Oklahoma City Fire Department for their support and commitment in helping make this program possible.”
The program provides a convenient alternative to shelter intake and extends microchip scanning hours beyond the traditional operating times of veterinary clinics and the OKC Animal Shelter. This not only speeds up the process of reuniting pets with their owners but also helps reduce overcrowding at the shelter, conserve city resources and limit the stress that animals experience when separated from their families.
Pets cannot be left at the fire stations, as they are not equipped to house or care for animals. If a finder is unable to hold onto the pet or needs further assistance, they may contact OKC Animal Welfare dispatch at (405) 297-2255.
For more information about services and resources available through OKC Animal Welfare, visit okc.gov/animal-welfare.
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