New microchip pet scanner arrives just in time for Fourth of July | Business

This led White to launch Check the Chip, Inc. 15 years later to empower pet owners with technology to keep their animals safe. According to the CEO and founder, approximately 30 million pets are not registered with a database even though they have a microchip.  

The first store to offer the Check the Chip scanner just happens to be in Los Altos. Waggin Tails Pet Supplies has carried the scanner since May 4, allowing anyone to use the device for free to ID a lost pet. Customers can also register their pet in Check the Chip’s database for $49.  

“There’s no more question about where to find a microchip scanner – it’s here,” White said in reference to the pet store on State Street. “If you ever find a lost pet, we will do everything to help you bring that pet back home.” 

The scanner’s availability comes at a good time for many pets and their owners with Fourth of July celebrations approaching. The loud noises created by fireworks often lead dogs and cats to run away, according to the American Kennel Club.  

“If you ask the shelters how many they take in, it’s probably fairly common because it’s a scary time of year for pets,” said Melissa Bryant-Neal, owner and medical director of the Los Altos Veterinary Clinic. 

Bryant-Neal added that Check the Chip’s kiosk is a good way to make sure your pet is registered and its information is current.  

“There’s so many people walking around downtown with their pets, so it’s a good way to easily bring in your pet to make sure it’s still working,” Bryant-Neal said. “A lot of people wonder, you know, does my microchip work? Or, you know, have I registered it right?” 

Waggin Tails manager Peter Ehrensberger said he was immediately interested in the device when the microchip checker was pitched to him.  

“Every single person that has tried it or asked about it has left (with) … a more positive outlook. Anytime that we’re open, they can come in and check and register,” Ehrensberger said.  

Ehrensberger has experienced not knowing what to do after finding pets that have run away due to the Fourth of July celebrations.  

“I have rescued my fair share of animals that have run loose from their house because of the fireworks. I have had nowhere to put them, nowhere to take them, what the heck do I do, they haven’t had a collar sometimes. Knowing that (the microchip checker) is there – such a lifesaver,” he said.  

White’s goal for the future is to place a microchip checker kiosk in more pet stores across the country and work to secure a partnership with a pet supplies chain store. After conducting a nationwide survey, she found that pet owners across the country are facing a common challenge of wanting to check their pet’s microchip. 

“We are really looking to scale up. We want to make sure that communities have access to this – not just one pet store, but we really want to place this in every pet store in the country,” White said.