Microchip Scanning Stations
Helping lost pets get home faster
🐾 Community Microchip Scanning Stations - Helping Lost Pets Get Home, 24/7
Paws Across Pittsburgh is building a network of 24/7 outdoor microchip scanning stations so anyone who finds a lost dog or cat can help them get back home—right in their own neighborhood. These stations are simple to use, always available, and completely free to the public.
What Is a Microchip Scanning Station?
A microchip scanning station is a weather-protected unit mounted outside a local business or community space. Inside is a universal microchip scanner that anyone can use at any time.
If you find a stray pet, you can:
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Bring the pet to the station
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Scan for a microchip
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Use the microchip number to contact the owner or a rescue/shelter for help
No waiting for a vet’s office or shelter to open, and no special training required.
Why These Stations Matter
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Faster reunions: Lost pets can be scanned and reunited with their families quickly.
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Reduces shelter intake: Pets can go straight home instead of into already crowded shelters.
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Available 24/7: Nights, weekends, holidays—help is always accessible.
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Empowers the community: Good Samaritans have a simple, concrete way to help.
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Safe & simple: Clear signage and instructions make it easy for anyone to use.
Current Microchip Scanning Locations:
Paws Across Pittsburgh Rescue House
413 E 6th Ave, Tarentum, PA 15084
Our first permanent microchip scanning station is located at the Paws Across Pittsburgh Rescue House. This unit is installed right out front and is available for public use 24/7. The station is mounted at the front of the Rescue House in a clearly marked outdoor unit.
Allegheny City Brewing – Northside, Pittsburgh
510 East Ohio St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Dog-friendly craft brewery located in the historic Deutschtown neighborhood. The location of this scanner is at the back of the building, accessible via Emlin Way. Available 24/7 in a clearly marked outdoor unit.
Want a Microchip Scanning Station in Your Neighborhood?
We would love to partner with businesses, municipalities, and community groups to expand these stations across the region.
Ideal hosts include:
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Breweries, coffee shops, and restaurants
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Vet clinics and groomers
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Pet-friendly businesses
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Community centers, libraries, and municipal buildings
What We Provide:
Paws Across Pittsburgh will:
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Build the station (weather-resistant housing + universal microchip scanner)
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Provide signage and simple instructions
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Assist with installation and placement recommendations
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Offer basic guidance on maintaining the unit
You provide: The cost of the station, around $800. (this does not include the post or mounting)
How to Raise Money for a Station:
If your neighborhood or business wants a station but needs help with funding, here are some easy options:
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Sponsor-a-Scanner Program - Ask a local business, corporate sponsor, or community group to fund all or part of the $800 in exchange for:
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Their logo on the station
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A shout-out on social media
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Being recognized as an “Official Community Microchip Station Sponsor”
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Mini Fundraiser or Event Ideas:
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Percentage-of-sales night at a brewery or restaurant
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Small raffle or gift basket fundraiser
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“Round-up” donations for a week or month at checkout
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Online Campaign Use a simple online fundraiser (Givebutter, Facebook fundraiser, etc.) with a clear goal: “Help us raise $800 to install a 24/7 community microchip scanning station!”
We’re happy to provide wording and photos you can use to promote your fundraising.
Bring a Microchip Scanning Station to Your Community
If you’re interested in hosting a station at your business, organization, or community space—or you’d like to help fund one in your neighborhood—please reach out using the form below. We’ll follow up with details about costs, installation, and next steps.
