Spring is a season of open doors and gates, yard projects, visitors and travel. It is also a good moment to make sure your pet could get home if they slipped out. Many owners have their pets microchipped and never think about it again. A quick check can make sure the chip does its job.
Step one: find the chip number
Look through adoption paperwork, veterinary records or the sticker sheet that sometimes comes with a chip. Your veterinarian’s office can usually tell you the number, or scan your pet to read it. Write the number down and keep it somewhere you can find quickly, such as your phone’s notes and your pet first-aid kit.
Step two: identify the registry
Each chip is typically linked to a registry, often run by the chip’s manufacturer or another database service. If you do not know which registry holds your pet’s information, the American Animal Hospital Association offers a free Universal Pet Microchip Lookup tool at aaha.org that can show which participating registries have that number on file.
Step three: confirm your details
Log in or contact the registry and check:
- Your name, spelled correctly
- Current address
- Current phone numbers, including a mobile number
- Email address
- An alternate contact, such as a family member or friend, in case you cannot be reached
- Your pet’s name, species and description
Registry policies and any fees vary. Check directly with the registry about how they handle updates.
Next, ask for a scan. At your pet’s next veterinary visit, ask the team to scan the chip. This confirms it can still be read and has not moved significantly. Chips occasionally migrate a short distance under the skin, and scanners are designed to sweep a wider area, but it is reassuring to check.
Step five: back it up with visible ID
A collar with an ID tag remains the fastest way for a neighbor to contact you. Include your phone number at minimum. Check that tags are legible and collars fit well. For cats, many owners use breakaway collars, which are designed to release if caught on something. Ask your vet if a collar is a good idea for your cat.
Some local governments require dog licenses, which can also aid in returning lost dogs. Check with your city or county for the rules where you live.
If your pet goes missing
- Contact the microchip registry right away and report your pet missing.
- Call local shelters, animal control and veterinary clinics, and visit shelters in person if you can.
- Post on local lost-pet groups and community boards with a clear photo.
- Search your neighborhood, especially quiet hiding spots for cats, and check at dawn and dusk.
Make a calendar reminder to review your registration each spring and whenever you move or change your phone number. It takes a few minutes and can make all the difference. This article is general information only.
