Harford Officers Equipped with Microchip Scanners

HARFORD COUNTY, MD – Lost pets will have a quicker route home thanks to new technology used by the Harford County Sheriff's Office.

Animal control officers now have microchip readers that they can use to scan animals that have been found, the sheriff's office reported Monday.

"If your pet is microchipped, and our Animal Control Officers locate it, they can scan [your] pet and identify you as the owner," the sheriff's office said in a statement. "This will allow us to quickly return the pet home. We hope this helps reduce your pet's stress level by avoiding a trip to the shelter, and relieve your own worries by getting your four-legged children home to you swiftly!"

The American Veterinary Medical Association suggests going to the vet to get a microchip if your pet does not have one. Owners are responsible for registering the device, which the association reports more than doubles the likelihood of reconnecting with a lost pet.

Photo Credit: Harford County Sheriff's Office.