Update on new microchip scanning stations in Pearl River County

PEARL RIVER COUNTY, Miss. (WXXV)- Pearl River County now has two new tools aimed at helping lost pets get home faster.

Kristen Kaylor with the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center explains how the new microchip scanning stations work.

When a pet ends up at the shelter, it can take a toll almost immediately.

Haley Crowe, a volunteer with the Pearl River County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, says some animals simply shut down. “When you bring an animal in, they kind of just shut down, and they don’t do well in a shelter situation.”

That stress is part of the reason county leaders installed public microchip scanning stations at the Picayune and Poplarville police departments.

Now, if someone finds a stray dog or cat, they can scan for a microchip on the spot and contact the owner directly — without waiting for animal control or taking the animal to the shelter.

Crowe says the idea gained traction after repeated posts on social media about missing pets. “It’s kind of what we’re working toward, having more animals microchipped.”

Last year alone, the Pearl River County shelter took in over 3,100 animals.

Only 122 were returned to their owners and just 31 had microchips.

Donna Lowe, S-P-C-A’s foster coordinator, says those numbers show why prevention matters. “If we had a grant, we could do it for free and hopefully more pets would get returned to their owners.”

Right now, microchipping costs about $20 per pet.

Lowe says she hopes to secure funding to offer free clinics and increase the number of animals that can be identified quickly.

Until then, the scanning stations are available 24 hours a day.

More advanced scanners, funded by Watts Veterinary Services in Picayune, are expected to be installed soon.