Free Community Service
Lost Dog? Free 24-Hour Pet Microchip Scanning in Central Ohio
We have installed a complimentary, 24/7 AKC Reunite microchip reader outside our Westerville facility to help reunite lost pets with their families.
Reuniting Lost Pets, Day or Night
Finding a lost pet can be overwhelming. You want to help, but you might not know who to call or where to go—especially after hours when local veterinary clinics and shelters are closed.
As a family-owned organization dedicated to the care of animals, we want to help. We have placed a professional-grade **AKC Reunite Microchip Reader** in a weatherproof enclosure right outside our front door. It is **100% free** for public use, completely self-service, and available **24 hours a day, 365 days a year**.
No Appointment Required
Simply walk up to our entrance at 6240 Frost Road, Suite C, Westerville, OH 43082. The scanner is mounted outside so you can access it even in the middle of the night.
Available 24/7
Pets don't go missing on a schedule. Walk up and scan a found pet at any hour, day or night.
Completely Free
This is a complimentary community service. Our goal is solely to get lost pets home safely.
Conveniently Located
Installed right outside our Westerville facility, serving Columbus, New Albany, Gahanna, and surrounding areas.
AKC Reunite Tech
Scans most standard pet microchips (9, 10, and 15-digit codes) to ensure maximum compatibility.
How to Scan a Found Pet
Scanning is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps to retrieve the scanner and look for a microchip number.
Find the Enclosure
Locate the clearly marked weatherproof box on the wall near our main entrance door. Open the box to find the handheld scanner.
Power on Scanner
Press the power button on the front of the AKC scanner. The screen will illuminate, indicating it is ready to scan.
Slowly Scan Pet
Hold the scanner 1 to 2 inches from the pet's skin. Slowly sweep it over the shoulder blades, neck, and along the sides.
Record the Number
If a chip is detected, the reader will beep and display the ID code. Write this number down or snap a quick photo of the screen.
Found a Microchip Number? What's Next
Once you have the 9, 10, or 15-digit code, you can use these free national registries to look up the owner's contact info.
AAHA Universal lookup
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) lookup tool queries dozens of pet recovery registries to tell you which database the microchip is enrolled in.
AKC Reunite search
AKC Reunite is one of the nation's largest and most trusted lost pet databases. If the microchip starts with 956, or is enrolled in AKC, look up the contact info directly here.
No Microchip Detected?
If the reader scans the pet but displays "No Tag Found", the pet may not have a microchip or the chip has migrated. We recommend posting photos on local pet forums (e.g., PetFinda, Nextdoor, Facebook groups) or contacting local shelters.
Where to Find Us
Our facility is located in Westerville. The microchip reader box is mounted on the front facade of our building, adjacent to the main entrance. You may drive up, park, and use the reader right from the front walkway.
Paws for Life Ohio
6240 Frost Road, Suite C
Westerville, OH 43082
Questions or Assistance?
Phone: (614) 515-7563
Email: wecare@pawsforlifeohio.com
6240 Frost Road, Suite C
Located on Frost Road in Westerville, near the corner of Sunbury Road. Minutes from New Albany, Gahanna, and Columbus.
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