Milwaukee Fire Department stations now have microchip scanners to help find owners of lost pets

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — A new tool for the Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) will keep tails wagging and hopefully lead to less pets in shelters.

Thirty-one firehouses across Milwaukee are now equipped with microchip scanners for pets, allowing MFD members to help reunite furry friends with their families.

"Our main duty is to serve people and serve our community, and pets are part of our family," said Lt. Carlos Velazquez Sanchez.

The scanners were a grant from Friends of MADACC, who used more than $6,000 worth of donations to buy and distribute them to the fire department.

"We did this project previously with the police stations, and it's the next natural step to do it with the fire stations," said Amila Rizvic, president of Friends of MADACC. "The nature of a fire department - it's a safe haven, and it's accessible for every community."

While the fire stations are often busy, the scanners are a quick way to connect lost pets with their owners.

"The simpler and the faster it is, the better," Velazquez Sanchez said.

It takes just a second to hover the tool over the pet, and if a number is found, they call MADACC, who can look it up in their database.

"They can put them in contact with the owner of the animal, so essentially avoiding a trip to MADACC for the animal," Rizvic explained.

Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski calls it a win-win for the community, MADACC, and his department.

"We are extremely proud to be an easy spot for people to walk up and ring the doorbell for anything you might need," Lipski said.

Of course, the scanner will only work if the pet has a microchip, and if the contact information linked to the chip is up to date.

MADACC can provide low-cost microchips with an appointment.

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