A cat that has been missing for a year has been reunited with his owner thanks to a microchip.
Orange County Animal Services said Paco, a 6-year-old black cat, was brought to the shelter Tuesday morning as a stray.
The staff scanned for a microchip which is a small device that is inserted near a pet's shoulder blades and displays a number when it is scanned. OCAS said when the staff scanned Paco, which is done for all animals that are turned into the shelter, a microchip number appeared.
The staff was then able to contact the registered owner, Sarah Tyszko, and tell her that Paco was at the shelter.
Tyszko came to the shelter and she and Paco were reunited.
"I'm so excited to bring him home," said Tyszko. "I was sure he was still out there roaming the streets, I just didn't know where."
"About 5 percent of the cats who enter our shelter as a stray are reunited with their owner," said Division Manger Dil Luther. "We're thrilled to see this happy ending for Paco and Sarah."
Pet owners who would like to have their pets microchipped can do so for only $15 per pet at Orange County Animal Services, at 2769 Conroy Road, in Orlando. Microchipping is available Monday through Friday from 1–5:30 p.m.
The shelter is also currently hosting a Microchip Mania promotion, which waives dog adoption fees for those who opt to register their new canine's microchip onsite for $9.95. For more information, call (407) 836-3111 or visit ocnetpets.com.