Hoof or Paw donates pet microchip reader to HFD

HAMILTON — Hoof or Paw, a local animal welfare advocate, announced recently the placement of a state-of-the-art universal pet microchip reader at the Hamilton Fire Department. This strategic donation aims to significantly improve the chances of reuniting lost pets with their anxious owners by providing a readily accessible scanning point for stray animals found within the community.
Until now, residents finding a lost pet in Hamilton often faced the challenge of locating a facility equipped to scan for microchips, a crucial step in identifying a pet's owner. With the new reader at HFD, a 24/7 accessible location, this process becomes much simpler and more efficient.
"We are incredibly excited to partner with the HFD on this initiative," said director Calen Weston. "Our goal at Hoof or Paw is to support the well-being of all animals in our community. By placing a microchip reader at such a central and accessible location, we are taking a significant step toward ensuring lost pets can be quickly identified and returned home, reducing stress for both the

animals and their families."
Fire chief Tim Rye commented, "The HFD is proud to assist Hoof or Paw in their efforts to reunite lost pets with their owners. Our department is committed to serving the community in various ways, and this microchip reader is a valuable addition to our resources. We encourage anyone who finds a lost pet to bring them by the station so we can help facilitate a happy reunion."  
Microchipping is a safe and permanent form of pet identification. When a lost pet is found and scanned, the microchip provides a unique ID number that links to the owner's contact information in a national registry. Once you connect with the company which has the microchip registered, they will contact the owner, shelter or vet.
However, without a readily available scanner, this technology is often underutilized. The placement of this reader at the HFD bridges that gap, making it easier than ever to check for a microchip.
Hoof or Paw urges all pet owners in Hamilton and surrounding areas to ensure their pets are microchipped and that their registration information is up-to-date.
How it works:
● If you find a lost pet in the Hamilton area, you can bring them to the HFD at 561 Sixth Street Southwest.;
● You or fire department personnel will be able to use the new microchip reader to scan the animal for a microchip; and
● If a microchip is detected, the information will be used to contact the registered owner.
This initiative underscores the commitment of both Hoof or Paw and the HFD to the welfare of the community's beloved animal companions.

About Hoof or Paw
Hoof or Paw is a local non-profit organization dedicated to animal welfare, rescue and education in the Hamilton area. They strive to create a safer and more compassionate community for all animals.
Contact information for Hoof or Paw includes their phone number at 205-430-2001, text only to 205-303-5064. For animal and operations inquiries, email info@hooforpaw.org. Their website is hooforpaw.org. The shelter address is  390 CR-2, Guin, AL 35563.

About Hamilton
Fire Department
The Hamilton Fire Department is dedicated to protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Hamilton through fire suppression, emergency medical services and community outreach programs.

About microchipping
Using a hypodermic needle,  slightly larger than an injection size needle, microchips are  injected under the skin by veterinarians during routine office visits. The procedure is noted as being no more painful than a typical injection. Surgery or anesthesia is not required.
Weston noted the procedure is usually done at the time of spay/neuter, and the chip is placed between the shoulder blades.