Residents of Louisville are seeing new, low‑cost boxes appear in yards and on sidewalks. Each box houses a handheld scanner that reads the microchip implanted in many pets, allowing anyone who finds a stray animal to quickly retrieve its identification code and contact the owner.
How the program works
A finder simply approaches the nearest station, pulls out the scanner, and holds it against the pet’s microchip. The device displays a numeric code, which the user then enters on the website printed on the box. The site returns the owner’s contact information, enabling a fast reunion.
Community roots and expansion
The effort began as the Southern Indiana Microchipping Network, placing stations in New Albany, Clarksville and Jeffersonville. Louisville volunteers, led by Brittany Hutto, adopted the model and partnered with the Louisville & Southern Indiana Microchipping Network. Animal‑welfare advocate Tara Basset of Dogs On the Run praised the citizen‑led approach, noting that it helps keep pets out of already‑burdened shelters.
Hutto, who lives in south Louisville, said she grew tired of seeing loose dogs on busy streets. “Any chance that I can get to help them, I’m definitely going to,” she told local media. She chose a spot near a high‑traffic area, believing the scanner would be most useful there.
City support and funding
Metro councilmember Crystal Bast announced plans to increase the network from roughly 15 existing stations to 40 new locations. The boxes cost about $75 each, and the city will allocate neighborhood development funds for installation.
“There’s a huge need for this,” Bast said. “It’s a good way to get them back home where they belong.” Her endorsement underscores the council’s commitment to practical, community‑based solutions that protect families and reduce shelter strain.
Where to find a station
Current Louisville locations include:
- 11803 Old Shelbyville Road, Middletown, KY 40243
- 10410 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, KY 40299
- 8700 Justice Way, Louisville, KY 40229
- 3750 Rosemont Blvd, Louisville, KY 40218
- 209 W Kenwood Drive, Louisville, KY 40214
- 110 Seneca Trail, Louisville, KY 40214
- 1236 Helck Avenue, Louisville, KY 40213
- 135 St Matthews Ave, Louisville, KY 40207
- 3940 Grandview Avenue, Louisville, KY 40207
- 115 N Charlton Street, Louisville, KY 40206
- 1974 Douglass Blvd, Louisville, KY 40205
- 2622 Alanmede Road, Louisville, KY 40205
- 971 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY 40204
- 414 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204
- 827 Logan St, Louisville, KY 40204
Additional stations are listed for nearby Indiana towns, reflecting the cross‑state nature of the network.
How to host a box
Anyone interested in placing a scanner in their yard or business can contact their metro council member. More details are available on the group’s Facebook page.
By leveraging simple technology and community volunteers, Louisville is creating a practical safety net for pets and their families, reinforcing the city’s commitment to responsible stewardship and neighborly cooperation.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
