Madison Reporter

The Madison Police Department (MPD) has received a new tool aimed at reuniting lost pets with their owners. Lost Dogs of Wisconsin, a volunteer organization that offers free resources to dog owners in the state, donated a pet microchip scanner to the department.

Microchips are small transponders implanted under an animal's skin by veterinarians and animal shelters. The Humane Society of the United States explains that these chips serve as unique identifiers if an animal's tags or collar go missing. When scanned with a special microchip scanner, they provide owner information.

The newly acquired microchip scanner will be stationed in MPD's Central District but will be accessible to officers throughout Madison. The police department advises pet owners to keep their microchip information current, especially when moving or changing phone numbers.