Does your pet have a microchip? If so, it’s important to check their registration status ASAP and possibly re-register it. This comes after the Texas-based microchip company Save This Life abruptly ceased operations. In doing so, it’s left many pets’ microchip registrations unlinked from national databases. If your pet was registered with this company, you’ll need to take action.
A Little About Your Pet’s Microchip
A microchip is a small, rice-sized electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder that’s implanted under your dog’s skin, between his shoulder blades at the back of his neck. It isn’t a GPS. Rather, it contains a unique tracking number that’s registered to a database and linked to an account with the animal’s info and pet parent’s contact details.
If your dog goes missing and someone brings him to a shelter or veterinary clinic, one of the first things they’ll do is wave a scanner over the dog’s neck to check for a microchip. When the scanner passes over the area, radiowaves activate the chip. The chip then transmits the identification number to the scanner and the number displays on the screen. If the microchip registry has accurate and up-to-date information, the shelter or vet team can quickly find and contact the animal’s owner.
What’s Happening Right Now
With the shutdown of Save This Life, pets registered with this company may no longer be identifiable through standard microchip scans. It’s important to note: The chips sold by the company are still functioning. But, if your pet gets lost, shelters and veterinarians who scan the chip may not be able to access your contact information. (Which completely defeats the purpose.) That’s why, it’s important to check your pet’s chip ASAP.
What to Do
- Locate Your Pet’s Microchip Number: This number is usually found on the confirmation form from your veterinarian or adoption center. If you don’t have the paperwork, visit your vet or a local animal shelter to have your pet scanned. They will provide you with the number.
- Check the Chip: Pet owners are able to go to an American Animal Hospital Association website to see if their information is there. (See the video below for more information.)
- Register the Microchip: If your pet’s information isn’t there and you determine their microchip was registered with the company that ceased operations, it’s crucial to re-register the chip with a different, reputable microchip registry. This will ensure your contact information is accessible in case your pet gets lost. You can ask your veterinarian for registry recommendations. Additionally, here are several reputable microchip registries where you can register your pet’s microchip:
- PetLink
- 24Petwatch
- AKC Reunite
This incident serves as an important reminder to check your pet’s microchip registration annually. Even if your pet’s chip is registered with an active company, it’s always a good idea to confirm that your contact information is accurate and up to date. Additionally, having your vet or local shelter scan the chip during a routine visit ensures it’s still functioning properly. A few minutes of maintenance each year can make all the difference in keeping your pet safe and increasing the chances of a happy reunion if they ever get lost.
