Lost dogs and cats in Williamson County, Tennessee can now easily be scanned for microchips any time of the day or night, thanks to hard work and a love for animals by Girl Scout Troop 1255, WKRN News reports.
Troop members wanted to find a sustainable project that could help reunite lost animals with their families — even after normal business hours.
The troop developed a plan, gained local government support — including unanimous approval at a Williamson County Commissioners meeting — then diligently raised $2,000 through cookie sales to purchase and install two weatherproof microchip scanner kiosks — a project that took two years from conception to completion. One kiosk was set up outside the Williamson County Animal Center (WCAC) and the other outside a local library.
The kiosks were made using old newspaper stands, redesigned to hold a microchip scanner inside. The goal was to help people who find a lost animal easily use the scanner to search for a microchip day or night. The kiosks also include laminated instructions on how to scan for a microchip and what do if one is found.
Microchip Scanner Kiosk outside of the Williamson County Animals Center (Courtesy of WCAC)
Studies have found that microchipped companion animals are three times more likely to find their way back to their families than those without.
Microchipping is a quick, easy, and affordable way to help protect companion animals if they get lost. However, it’s important for guardians to keep contact information updated so that animals can quickly be reunited with their families.
Lady Freethinker applauds Girl Scout Troop 1255 for their hard work and innovative project that will no doubt help countless animals in their community.
