Knoxville TN, October 17, 2025
News Summary
The Knoxville Fire Department is set to enhance pet safety by equipping Station 3 and Station 17 with microchip scanners. This initiative aims to reunite lost pets with their owners more efficiently amid rising stray animal calls. Partnering with Young-Williams Animal Center, the program encourages pet owners to ensure their pets are microchipped, as fewer than 20% of stray pets in Knoxville have traceable identification. A demonstration event is planned to showcase the scanners and their benefits.
Knoxville Fire Department Stations to Implement Microchip Scanners for Lost Pets
The Knoxville Fire Department (KFD) has announced that two of its stations, Station 3 on Baxter Avenue and Station 17 on Western Avenue, will soon be equipped with microchip scanners. This initiative aims to streamline the process of reuniting lost pets with their owners, responding to the increasing number of stray animal calls in these areas.
Station 3 is located at 204 E. Baxter Avenue, while Station 17 can be found at 4804 Western Avenue. These locations were specifically chosen due to the high frequency of stray animal reports in their neighborhoods. The microchip scanners are viewed as a simple but powerful tool to facilitate the return of lost pets to their families, according to KFD officials.
This initiative comes in partnership with Young-Williams Animal Center, which offers microchipping services for $15 per pet. The Animal Center is confronting the challenge of handling around 600 stray animals each month, with less than 20% of these animals having any form of traceable identification. Young-Williams CEO Janet Testerman highlighted the importance of keeping lost pets within their neighborhoods to improve return rates, as animals entering shelters have a less than 15% chance of reuniting with their families.
If the public finds a stray animal, they can take it to either of the fire stations to have it scanned for a microchip. If a microchip is detected, the owners will be contacted directly. Should no microchip be found, KFD will coordinate with Young-Williams Animal Center for further assistance. It is important to note that the KFD does not take possession of any animals brought in by the public, since firefighters may be dispatched for emergency calls.
Pet owners are encouraged to regularly update their microchip information to ensure a successful reunion in case their pet gets lost. To further raise awareness regarding this initiative, a demonstration of the microchip scanners will take place at Station 17 on October 16 at 11 a.m.
Background Context
The issue of stray animals is a pressing concern in Knoxville, with KFD responding to many calls related to loose pets. The introduction of microchip scanners at fire stations represents a proactive approach to decreasing the number of lost pets that end up in shelters. By enabling quick identification of stray pets, KFD hopes to reduce stress for both animals and their owners, thereby fostering community responsibility towards pet welfare.
Key Features of the Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Microchip Scanners | Installed at Station 3 and Station 17 to identify lost pets quickly. |
| Partner Organization | Young-Williams Animal Center, providing microchipping services. |
| Location of Stations | Station 3: 204 E. Baxter Avenue, Station 17: 4804 Western Avenue. |
| Public Access | Stray animals can be brought to fire stations for scanning. |
| Demonstration Event | Scheduled for October 16 at Station 17 at 11 a.m. |
FAQ
What is the purpose of the microchip scanners being implemented at the Knoxville Fire Department?
The scanners are intended to help return lost pets to their owners more efficiently.
Where can stray animals be taken for scanning?
If a stray animal is found, it can be brought to either fire station to be scanned for a microchip.
What happens if no microchip is found on a stray animal?
If no chip is found, KFD will reach out to Young-Williams Animal Center.
How often do stray animals arrive at Young-Williams Animal Center?
Young-Williams Animal Center averages around 600 stray animals per month.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WATE: Pet Microchip Scanners Installed at Two Knoxville Fire Stations
- WBIR: Two Knoxville Fire Stations Install Microchip Scanners
- Knox TN Today: Local News Updates
- Google Search: Pet Microchip Scanners Knoxville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pet Microchip
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
