Harris County ESD No. 7 Pet Microchip Program PDF

# Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 7 ## Standard Operating Line ### Pet Microchip Program **SFD.083** **Revision No. 1** **Issue Date 9 July. 2024** **Review Date 1 July. 2025** **Reviewed by Strategic Services** **Effective Date 9 July. 2024** **Approved by: Scott C. Seifert** ### 1. Execut...

# Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 7 ## Standard Operating Line ### Pet Microchip Program **SFD.083** **Revision No. 1** **Issue Date 9 July. 2024** **Review Date 1 July. 2025** **Reviewed by Strategic Services** **Effective Date 9 July. 2024** **Approved by: Scott C. Seifert** ### 1. Executive Summary * **Procedures and Responsibilities:** Pet Microchip scanning is a community service available typically from 0700-2100 or at the company officer's discretion. * **Usage Instructions:** Personnel must read the instruction manual before using the Pet Microchip Reader, which should be charged and checked once per shift. * **Animal Handling:** Animals must be leashed or in a carrier, and scanning should be done outside by the rescuer’s vehicle or in the station's foyer. * **Documentation:** Photos of each scanned animal should be taken, and if a microchip number is found, it should be searched using the AAHA microchip search page to locate the manufacturer's toll-free number. * **Lost Animal Form:** If an animal is not registered or the information is outdated, a lost animal form should be filled out and submitted for further assistance. * **Documentation Policy:** All scanned lost animals must be documented through the lost animal form, and animals cannot stay at the stations. * **Injured Animals:** If an animal appears injured or in distress, contact the SPCA for an animal ambulance. ### 2. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to provide procedures for use of Pet Microchip Readers and documentation of lost animals brought to Spring Fire Stations for the limited purpose of reuniting lost animals in Spring with their families. ### 3. Scope This policy shall apply to all personnel involved in fire department operations at the station level and communications and outreach. ### 4. Definitions See Glossary. ### 5. Procedures and Responsibilities * Pet Microchip scanning is an added community service provided by Spring Fire Department should be typically available from 0700-2100 or at the company officer's discretion. * Before using a Pet Microchip Reader, Spring Fire personnel will read the instruction manual in the plastic carry case and follow the instructions. Pet Microchip Readers will stay charged and be checked once per shift. * When an animal rescuer arrives at a Spring Fire Department station with an animal: * The animal must be leashed or in a carrier. * Scan the animal outside by the rescuer's vehicle or in the foyer of the station following the manufacturer's instructions for the device. * Photos should be taken on the staff phone for each animal scanned. * If a microchip number appears on the screen, there is a QR code on both the chip case and reader that will link to the AAHA microchip search page. * AAHA microchip search page. * Search the microchip number on the staff phone to locate a 24/7 monitored toll-free number provided for the chip's manufacturer. * Spring Fire personnel will help the rescuer call the microchip manufacturer's toll-free number to report the lost animal and get any registry information available on the owner including name, physical address, email, and phone number. Manufacturers will also have the name and phone number of the vet, shelter or rescue organization that purchased the chip. That can also be valuable information. * If an animal is not registered, or the information is tried and found to be out of date, fill out and submit the lost animal form. It is accessible through the second QR code. The Public Information Officer will contact the rescuers and use additional resources to aid the search. * All scanned lost animals will be documented through the lost animal form. If you have multiple animals with one rescuer, fill out multiple forms to avoid confusion. * Lost animal form QR. * If no microchip number is found, put a 0 in the microchip number field and submit the lost animal form. * Lost animals will leave the fire station with the rescuer. Animals may not stay at stations. * Do not text or email the prior, printed forms and photos. Those will no longer be accepted. * Lost animal forms are immediately sent to the Communications and Outreach team. Rescuers are contacted and a database on lost animals brought to fire stations is maintained. * If an animal appears injured, is unable to eat or drink, or is in distress because they were injured by a vehicle and rescued from a trap, a sewer or confined space, contact the SPCA for an animal ambulance at 713-880-HELP (4357). * If immediate foster help is needed or you have questions, routine contact on this program is with Public Information Officer. ### 6. References & Related Policies This section provides references to applicable laws, standards, or other related internal policies or guidelines. | NFPA | Applicable State or Federal Statutes | OSHA | Spring FD | | - | - | - | - | ### 7. Contact Office The appropriate contact office for questions or comments on this SOG is: * **Company Officer** * **District Chief** * **Public Information Officer** * Deputy Chief of Strategic Services * Assistant Chief * Fire Chief ### 8. List of Changes | Revision No. | Description of Changes | Approved by | Effective Date | ### 9. Errors See something wrong? Click here or use this QR code to submit an error or inconsistency This policy is for internal use only and does not enlarge a member's legal duty or civil liability in any way. This policy should not be construed as creating a duty to act or a higher duty of care, with respect to third-party civil claims against members or the department. A violation of this policy, if proven, can only form the basis of a complaint by this department for non-judicial administrative action in accordance with the laws governing member discipline.