A New Way Home

Williamson County’s Microchip Stations Make Pet Reunions Easier

For pet owners, the idea of their furry friend going missing is a nightmare. But what if the path home didn’t have to start at a shelter? What if reuniting lost pets with their families could happen right where they were found—before the animals ever enter the system?

That’s the vision behind the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter’s (WCRAS) new Reunion Stations—a network of 24/7 microchip scanning kiosks set to pop up across the community.

These stations would allow anyone who finds a lost pet to scan for a microchip and contact the owner directly, skipping the shelter entirely.

The idea was sparked during a conversation among animal welfare professionals, including WCRAS Director of Animal Services Misty Valenta, about the confusing and often inconsistent messages given to the public on what to do when they find a stray. Wanting to provide a solution in her own community, she began looking into ways to help reunite pets and their families quickly. Around that time, she discovered a reunion station—once an old news- paper stand transformed by a local Girl Scout troop into a microchip scanning kiosk. Inspired by its simplicity and ingenuity, Misty set out to bring the neighborhood pet reunion concept home to Williamson County.

Since then, the shelter’s team has been working on making microchip scanning a reality countywide. WCRAS’ Community Engagement Coordinator April Peiffer says, “We want to see the community take advantage of all of the tools available to them so when they find a lost pet, they can facilitate a reunion as quickly as possible, which may often mean never coming to the shelter at all. As word spreads, we hope other communities will choose to follow suit and make this the standard everywhere.”

The first official Reunion Station was installed outside the shelter’s Services Center in Georgetown, with plans to launch eight more in Round Rock. WCRAS hopes to eventually place a station in every zip code in Williamson County using GIS mapping to ensure strategic placement and accessibility.

While the project is still in its early stages—so far, no reunions have been logged through the new stations—the shelter’s team is optimistic about its ability to help lost pets get home faster. “We know most pets are found within two miles of their homes,” Misty says. “By making microchip scanners available at all hours, we’re removing barriers and increasing the chances of a happy reunion.”

Join The Effort

WCRAS is now actively seeking local businesses, churches, community centers, and individuals to host or sponsor Reunion Stations. Hosts simply need to provide an outdoor space accessible 24/7 and commit to light upkeep, such as battery checks and occasional wipe-downs. “This is a win for families, a win for lost pets, and a win for the shelter,” Misty says. “It frees up our resources for the animals who really need to be here.”

To get involved—whether by sponsoring a unit or becoming a host site—contact April Peiffer at april.peiffer@wilcotx.gov.