A new resource outside the Boerne Police Department is giving residents another way to help reunite lost pets with their families, at any time of day.
The City of Boerne’s first public microchip scanning station is now available outside the Police Department near the Patrick Heath Public Library book drop-off station. The free self-service station allows anyone who finds a lost pet to check the animal for a microchip without having to wait for the Boerne Animal Shelter or another facility to open.
“This gives our community another tool to help get lost pets home as quickly as possible,” Animal Care Services Supervisor Stefanie Fisher said. “Someone may find a dog or cat after hours or at a time when they can’t immediately bring the animal to the shelter. Now they have a free resource available to scan for a microchip and take that first step toward finding the pet’s family.”
In 2025, the shelter scanned 1,176 animals upon intake or at community events.
The station includes a microchip reader along with step-by-step instructions explaining how to scan an animal. If a microchip is detected, information at the station also helps the finder identify the appropriate microchip provider to contact to begin locating the pet’s registered owner.
The station was created through a partnership between local Girl Scout 758 troop and Boerne Animal Care Services in honor of Boerne Police K-9 Chico, who died in the line of duty. The project carries forward Chico’s legacy as a loyal partner and protector by helping other animals safely find their way home.
“This was a wonderful, collaborative community project and a great tool now available,” Chief Stever Perez said. “It is especially meaningful that Chico’s legacy will continue through a resource designed to help reunite lost pets with the families who love them.”
The Girl Scouts designed the public housing unit, and Boerne ACS purchased the chip reader as part of its approved budget.
