Microchip scanners donated to fire departments in SPCA program to find missing dogs, cats

A partnership involving the SPCA of Brevard and Brevard County's public safety agencies will help reunite lost dogs and cats with their owners.

The SPCA — aided by donations from the community — is deploying microchip scanners to fire stations throughout the county. Residents who find a stray household dog or cat can bring the animal to the fire station, where it can be scanned to see if it has a microchip inserted to identify the pet's owner. Then, fire department personnel will work to contact the pet's owner.

Additionally, if the pet does not have a microchip or the owner cannot be located, the Brevard County Sheriff's Office and its Animal Services division will work to place the pet at a shelter or in a foster care situation.

"It's a great collaboration involving a public and private partnership," Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said. "We want to get the pets back to their rightful owners."

Ivey and BCSO bloodhound Junny were at Brevard County Fire Rescue Station 48 in Viera to help demonstrate the technology, joined by SPCA and Brevard County Fire Rescue officials.

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Where scanners were deployed

So far, the scanners have been deployed to all 32 BCFR fire station, plus four Titusville Fire Department stations, three Cocoa Fire Department stations and two Titusville Police Department facilities. The Palm Bay Fire Department is next on the deployment list, with five locations planned.

Tom Neidert, BCFR's district chief of special operations, said the expansion of the program comes at a crucial time. The days after Independence Day are extremely busy for animal shelters, because of dogs who get scared of fireworks and run away from home.

"We are truly amazed at how this program has grown," said Susan Naylor, executive director of the Titusville-based SPCA of Brevard. "What started as a small project, with just a few scanners, has now reached the entire countyand is continuing to expand to other departments. Our community has been so supportive of this program,and we are excited to see it make such a positive impact."

How to contribute

People interested in donating to the program can find a link with more information at www.SPCABrevard.com. It costs $200 to sponsor one scanner or $100 to sponsor 15 microchips.

The Brevard Kennel Club has been the biggest donor to date, sponsoring 22 scanners.

Naylor said several pets already been successfully reunited with their families after being scanned at fire stations.

Dave Berman is business editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Berman at dberman@floridatoday.com, on X at @bydaveberman and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54