Subject:
Title
Interlocal Agreement with City of Oldsmar to install a Pet Microchip Scanning Station at the Oldsmar Fire Station.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Oldsmar for installation of a self-service pet microchip scanning station at Oldsmar Fire Rescue Station 54.
- The station will provide residents with convenient access to scan found pets for microchips and help reunite them with their owners without bringing them to the County shelter.
- This will be the first self-service pet microchip scanning station in Pinellas County.
- Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Troop 31816 donated the microchip scanner, utility box, and locking device as part of the troop's Bronze Award project.
- Installation must be completed by September 30, 2026, to meet the Bronze Award project deadline.
- Animal Services, the Girl Scouts, and the City of Oldsmar plan to hold a free microchipping event in October 2026 to promote the station and the importance of pet microchipping.
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Strategic Priorities:
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.1 Improve public health.
2.2 Enhance community safety.
Smart Service Delivery
4.3 Improve efficiency of service delivery through technology.
4.4 Pursue continuous improvement.
Summary:
Pinellas County Animal Services, in partnership with the City of Oldsmar and Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Troop 31816, proposes to install a self-service pet microchip scanning station at Oldsmar Fire Rescue Station 54, located at 225 Pine Avenue North.
The station will provide residents with a safe and convenient location to scan found pets and begin the reunification process. Providing community access to microchip scanners can help return lost pets directly to their owners, reducing the need to transport animals to the County shelter and shortening the time lost pets remain at large.
Troop 31816 selected the microchip scanning station as its Bronze Award service project and donated the scanner, utility box, and locking device. Under the agreement, Pinellas County will install the station by September 30, 2026, and will be responsible for its ongoing maintenance and associated costs.
Following installation, Animal Services, the Girl Scouts, and the City of Oldsmar plan to hold a free microchipping event at the fire station to introduce the station to the community and promote pet microchipping.
Background/Explanation:
Fire stations provide highly visible, trusted, and convenient locations for residents to scan found pets. The program is designed to be self-service and does not require fire personnel to handle, house, or transport animals.
Signage at the station will provide instructions for scanning an animal, locating microchip registration information, contacting the pet owner, and obtaining assistance from Animal Services when a microchip is not found. Animal Services will be responsible for the equipment, signage, and ongoing maintenance.
Similar community microchip scanning programs have been implemented in other Florida counties, including Volusia, Brevard, and Walton counties.
The Interlocal Agreement has a five-year term. Pinellas County is responsible for installation, permitting, maintenance, repairs, and associated operating costs. Upon termination of the agreement, the County is responsible for removing the equipment and restoring the property.
Fiscal Impact:
Fiscal impact is expected to be minimal. The microchip scanner, utility box, and locking device were donated by Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Troop 31816. County costs will consist primarily of installation and permitting, signage, scanner batteries, and routine maintenance.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Interlocal Agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62(a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Jennifer Renner, Director, Animal Services
Partners:
City of Oldsmar
Oldsmar Fire Rescue Station 54
Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Troop 31816
Attachments:
Interlocal Agreement BTW Oldsmar and Pinellas County for Microchip Readers