Midcoast Humane, a nonprofit providing animal welfare services to 40 municipalities in the state of Maine, is launching an initiative to help keep animals in their homes with the donation of microchip scanners to Animal Control Officers (ACOs) in its service area.

The purchase of the microchip scanners was made possible by a generous grant from Loyal Biscuit Co., an independent dog and cat supply boutique with seven locations throughout Maine.

“Loyal Biscuit Co. is proud to support such an important initiative in providing local ACO's with microchip scanners” stated Heidi Neal, the store’s owner. “The amount of time, resources, and stress that can be relieved on the pet, the shelter, and the pet's owners if an ACO is able to reunite a lost animal with their family directly will be immeasurable. Our Fenway Fund is designed for projects exactly like this - projects that will benefit the life and welfare of pets in our communities. I am so glad we get to be a part of this!"

Midcoast Humane expects the outcome of the initiative to be a decrease in the number of companion animals entering the shelter before returning to their permanent homes, which will eliminate the stress experienced by animals that would otherwise never enter the shelter. Additionally, it will allow the shelter to funnel resources to other animals in need, such as those undergoing medical care and ‘long-term’ residents patiently awaiting adoption.

To see dogs, cats, puppies and kittens (and the occasional bunny, bird or guinea pig) available for adoption, please visit www.midcoasthumane.org or call 207-449-1366.