Published on September 15, 2026
Animal Care Services teams up with S.A.F.D to bring new resources online.
SAN ANTONIO (September 15, 2026) – The City of San Antonio Animal Care Services (SAACS) and San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) are launching a new community resource designed to help more lost pets find their way home. Over the next week, pet microchip scanning stations will be operational outside of 11 San Antonio fire stations and the SAACS main campus, bringing 24/7 pet-reunification resources directly into local neighborhoods.
Microchips are a small, permanent form of ID implanted beneath a dog or cat’s skin that are mandatory for pets living within the city limits. When scanned, the chip provides a unique number connected to the registry holding the pet owner’s contact information. The community will be able to use the new tools free of charge.
SAACS Director Jon Gary says helping a lost pet return home is one of the best outcomes for the animal, the family and our entire community. “These scanners give residents round-the-clock tools to help found pets get home quickly while also reducing unnecessary shelter intake,” says Gary. “We're thrilled SAFD partnered with us to provide this resource in every city council district in San Antonio.”
Fire Chief Valerie Frausto says the community will benefit from the new tool. “San Antonio firefighters serve their community every day, and this partnership provides another practical resource for our residents” said Frausto. “We are proud to work with Animal Care Services to make it easier for lost pets to get home to the people who love them.”
Residents who safely contain a found pet can visit one of the participating locations at any time, seven days a week to scan the dog or cat for a microchip. Instructions at each station will explain how to use the secured scanner and what to do if a “chip” is detected. The microchip scanning stations are not animal intake or surrender locations and residents should never leave animals unattended at the scanning site or on the fire station's property. Animals that are injured, aggressive or cannot be safely handled should be reported to 311 or 210-207-6000 for assistance.
The 12 locations are:
The pilot project builds on the City’s efforts to keep pets with their families and help residents play an active role in neighborhood pet reunification. By city ordinance, pet guardians must microchip their companion animals and keep their registration information current. For a map of scanning locations and additional guidance for helping a found pet, visit SAACS.info/petscan.
Lisa Norwood 210-207-6665 Email Media Contact