In a bid to tackle the problem of lost pets in Wilson County, local authorities have rolled out a new service that promises to be a game-changer for residents and their four-legged friends. Wilson County Animal Control, teaming up with the Wilson County Emergency Management Agency, has deployed free, round-the-clock pet microchip scanning stations at select fire station parking lots throughout the area.
The high-tech setups are expected to go live in the coming days, allowing anyone who encounters a stray pet to swiftly check for a microchip and potentially facilitate a joyful reunion with the animal's family. Locations primed for these stations include WEMA fire stations in Watertown at Station 2 – 160 South Statesville Ave, Lakeview at Station 4 – 6171 Saundersville RD, Mt. Juliet at Station 5 - 8814 Stewarts Ferry Pike, and Lebanon at Station 9 - 40 Rutledge Lane, as noted in a recent Wilson County government announcement.
Clear instructions will accompany each scanner, simplifying the process for community members to lend a helping hand, yet, in light of the county's animal shelter reaching capacity – with no more space to house additional dogs – the importance of these stations is underscored.
"These scanners will help improve the reunification process of lost pets and their families. We know that pets belong with their people and not in kennels, so these scanners will provide a useful tool to help make that happen. We truly appreciate Wilson County Animal Control and WEMA for making this possible," said Randall Hutto, Wilson County Mayor, underscoring the commitment to keep pets out of shelters whenever possible; his statement captured by Wilson County's official website. Alongside the new stations, the notice from Wilson County Animal Control stresses to residents the potential risks of harboring stray pets themselves, due to unpredictability, which could lead to dangerous situations.
For those inclined towards adding a furry member to their household, Wilson County's Animal Shelter invites would-be adopters to visit during its Monday through Friday hours, 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, located at 378 Dump Road, Lebanon, TN 37087. More information about adoptions and the new scanning stations can be obtained by calling Wilson County Animal Control at 615-444-9775.
