Santa Barbara County Animal Services (SBCAS), in partnership with the Santa Maria Fire Department, Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation and the Santa Barbara Foundation, has announced the installation of the first five community microchip scanning stations at fire stations throughout Santa Maria.
To commemorate the new scanning stations for the community, a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held with the community partners, 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 10 at Fire Station 1, 314 W. Cook St. #8, Santa Maria.
The scanning stations provide community members with direct access to microchip scanners, empowering residents who find lost pets to quickly check for identification and help reunite animals with their families, often within minutes.
Each station is equipped with easy-to-use scanning technology and simple instructions. When a microchip is detected, residents can contact AKC Reunite or the shelter for assistance in locating the registered owner, organizers said.
“Studies show that most lost pets are found within a mile of their home,” said Sarah Aguilar, director of Santa Barbara County Animal Services. “By allowing pets to be identified right in their own neighborhood, the likelihood of quick reunification increases dramatically.
“This keeps pets out of the shelter, reduces stress for families, and strengthens our entire community,” she said.
“Fire stations are trusted community hubs,” Aguilar said. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to serving the people and pets of Santa Maria.”
For more information about microchipping or lost and found services, visit www.countyofsb.org or contact Santa Barbara County Animal Services, 833-422-8413.