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Elgin Installs Pet Scanning Station to Reunite Lost Animals with Owners
New tool allows residents to scan lost pets and quickly find their owners
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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The city of Elgin, Texas has installed a new pet scanning station at Veterans Memorial Park outside the Elgin Police Department. The station allows residents to scan lost pets, retrieve the animal's microchip information, and quickly reunite them with their owners without involving the police department directly.
Why it matters
With Elgin's growing population and more pets, the city wanted to provide an easy way for residents to reunite lost animals with their owners, reducing the burden on the police department's limited animal control resources. The new scanning station is part of the city's efforts to promote responsible pet ownership and avoid overcrowding local animal shelters.
The details
The pet scanning station features a QR code that provides instructions on how to use the tool. Residents can open the box, take out the scanner, and run it along the animal. The microchip code will then appear on the screen, allowing them to look up the owner's contact information online. If the animal doesn't have a microchip or the owner can't be reached, residents are instructed to call the Elgin non-emergency police line for assistance.
- The pet scanning station has been installed and operational for the past two weeks.
- Elgin officials say the station will be especially helpful during holidays when many pets get loose due to fireworks.
The players
Elgin Police Department
The local law enforcement agency that oversees the pet scanning station and animal control services in Elgin.
Commander Aaron Crim
A commander with the Elgin Police Department who says the scanning station is a "great resource" to help reunite lost pets with their owners.
What they’re saying
“This is a great resource for them to be able to do that, and they can reunite the animal with their owner without our involvement. Then it keeps our guys available on the street, and it also makes sure that the animal's safe and gets returned to the owner, so it's a win-win for us.”
— Commander Aaron Crim, Elgin Police Department (FOX 7 Austin)
What’s next
Elgin officials say they plan to expand the pet scanning station program and install additional stations in other parts of the city.
The takeaway
Elgin's new pet scanning station provides a convenient and efficient way for residents to quickly reunite lost animals with their owners, reducing the burden on the city's limited animal control resources and promoting responsible pet ownership in the growing community.
