Buellton to Install DIY Pet Microchip Scanning Stations

Buellton approved a $1,500 pilot to install five 24/7 DIY microchip scanners, with three initial sites set and two locations to be chosen after staff analysis.

Buellton will be the first city in Santa Barbara County to install 24/7 do-it-yourself microchip scanning stations for lost pets. The City Council voted unanimously to approve a $1,500 pilot program to fund five scanners and their installation. Animal Services reported that nearly 4,300 animals entered the county shelter system as strays in 2025, making up more than two-thirds of intake. Officials said the stations aim to help residents reunite lost animals without a trip to the shelter. Key details: - The council approved a $1,500 pilot to purchase and install five DIY microchip scanners available around the clock. - The first three approved locations are Paws Park, the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society, and City Hall; two remaining sites will be chosen after staff analyzes where they are most needed. - The Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation will supply the units, which include retractable scanners, bilingual instructions, and a QR code linking to a national microchip lookup tool. - Animal Services Director Sarah Aguilar noted most lost pets are found within about a mile of home and said the scanners could reduce unnecessary shelter stays; staff can provide a heat map of stray locations to guide placement. - A similar program was approved in August for five Santa Maria fire stations, though none of those units had been installed as of last week. - The county continues to offer free microchipping and holds clinics, especially ahead of holidays such as the Fourth of July. Summary: The pilot is intended to keep stray animals close to where they are found and shorten shelter stays by enabling local microchip checks. Installation is expected to begin immediately at the three approved sites, while staff will analyze stray-location data to select the final two locations. Undetermined at this time.