A non-profit veterinary clinic opened in Windsor on September 2, now the first in the region to offer a 24-hour pet microchip scanning station.

Situated outside the Community Veterinary Clinic — Windsor Essex, the unit has signage explaining how to operate it.

Pass the scanner over the pet’s neck and back. If a microchip is detected, the number appears on the display. The number is then entered into a national database of registered chips, and the owner can be contacted.

Melanie Coulter, the former head of the Windsor-Essex Humane Society, and veterinarian Dr. Kayla Beetham co-founded the clinic.

“By having this available 24 hours a day, anyone can use it,” said Coulter.

The weather-resistant scanning station enables pet owners to locate lost pets without visiting an animal shelter or pound. The clinic’s design was based on the rising costs of veterinary care in Canada.

Clinic services include spay and neuter surgeries, microchipping, nail trims, and end-of-life care at reduced rates.

“We have a great team here — all of our staff are former humane society employees — and we’re all really excited about providing these services,” said Coulter.