Microchips are small but mighty tools for pet parents. These tiny electronic devices, implanted just below the skin by your veterinarian, provide a permanent form of identification that cannot fall off like a collar or ID tag. In fact, microchipped pets are far more likely to be reunited with their families if they ever go missing.
However, it is important to remember that a microchip is not a GPS tracker; it is a permanent link to a registry database. If your contact information isn’t up-to-date, that link is broken. Explore why maintenance is essential and how to ensure your pet always has a way back home.
The Vital Link: Why Updating Microchip Info Matters
According to the American Humane Society, the most common reason microchips fail to reunite families is incorrect or missing owner information in the database. Life moves fast, and it is easy to forget to update a pet’s record after a busy move or a change in phone providers.
Regularly reviewing your microchip data ensures that if your pet is found and scanned by a neighbor or a shelter, you can be reached immediately.
How to Maintain Your Pet’s Microchip
Keeping your records current is a simple process that provides immense peace of mind. Follow these steps to keep your safety net active and easy to utilize:
- Locate your pet’s microchip number from your adoption records or Bayside Animal Hospital paperwork.
- Use the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup tool to verify which registry the chip is enrolled with.
- Log in to the registry to confirm your address, phone number, and email are correct.
- Add an emergency contact as a backup contact in case you are unreachable.
We suggest performing a “microchip check-up” at least once a year. This can be done conveniently during your pet’s yearly wellness exam.
When to Update Your Registry
While an annual check is best practice, certain life events require an immediate update to your microchip records:
- Moving to a new residence
- Changing your primary phone number
- Transferring ownership of a pet to a new family
- Changes to your pet’s health that might be critical for rescuers to know
August 15th is National Check the Chip Day, but you don’t have to wait until then to make sure your furry friend is protected.
If you are unsure of your pet’s microchip number or if your pet hasn’t been chipped yet, contact us to schedule an appointment. Our team can scan your pet and help you get started on the path to improved pet safety.
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