Losing a pet is a heart-wrenching experience for any pet owner. It’s a scenario filled with worry and uncertainty. Statistics show that millions of pets go missing every year, highlighting a common fear among pet parents. Fortunately, microchipping offers a significant beacon of hope for pet reunification. Studies have consistently demonstrated that microchipped pets have a much higher chance of returning home compared to those without.
Understanding the Importance of Your Pet’s Microchip
A pet microchip is a small, electronic chip, about the size of a grain of rice, implanted just under your pet’s skin. This chip uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. When scanned by a compatible scanner, it transmits a unique identification number. Think of it as a permanent ID for your furry friend, offering a reliable way to link them back to you. The implantation process is quick and relatively painless, often compared to a routine vaccination, and the cost is generally quite affordable.
Microchips are typically implanted using a needle and syringe, slightly larger than those used for vaccines. This procedure can be done during a regular vet visit. Many pet owners opt to have it done while their pet is already under anesthesia for procedures like dental cleanings or spaying/neutering, ensuring a completely painless experience.
However, the true power of a microchip lies in registration. Simply having a microchip implanted isn’t enough. It’s absolutely crucial to register your pet’s microchip number with your contact information in a national online registry database. Without this registration, the microchip becomes essentially useless for identification purposes because scanning the chip will only reveal a number without any associated owner details.
Step-by-Step Methods to Find Your Pet’s Microchip Number
The first crucial step in ensuring your pet’s microchip works effectively is knowing and registering the microchip number. If you’re unsure how to find this number, don’t worry. There are several straightforward methods you can use.
1. Check Your Veterinary Records
When your pet is microchipped at a veterinary clinic, the clinic staff usually provides you with stickers containing your pet’s microchip number. These stickers are typically included in the microchip packaging. If you have these stickers, keep them in a safe place. For pets adopted from shelters or rescues, or if you’ve had your pet microchipped previously and can’t find the stickers, delve into your pet’s veterinary records. Microchip numbers are standard information included in patient records, usually found near other identifying details like your pet’s name, breed, and date of birth.
2. Utilize a Microchip Scanner
If you’ve exhausted your search through your documents and still can’t locate the microchip number, the quickest and easiest solution is to have your pet scanned. Veterinary clinics and animal shelters are equipped with microchip scanners. Simply take your pet to your vet or a local shelter and request a microchip scan. The staff will scan your pet, and the scanner will display the microchip number. They can then write it down for you. This service is usually offered free of charge as part of their commitment to pet welfare.
3. Contact the Microchip Manufacturer (If Known)
If you happen to remember the brand or manufacturer of your pet’s microchip, you can try contacting them directly. Many microchip manufacturers maintain their own databases and customer support services. A quick online search should help you find the manufacturer’s website and contact information. Reach out to them, providing any information you remember about your pet and when they were microchipped. They may be able to assist you in locating the microchip number within their records. For instance, PetLink operates a comprehensive microchip registry and recovery service and may be able to help if your pet’s microchip is registered with them.
4. Access the Pet Microchip Registry Database Online
As mentioned earlier, registering your pet’s microchip in an online registry is paramount. If you recall the specific registry service you used when you initially registered your pet, you can access their website directly. Most registries allow you to log in to your account using a username and password. Once logged in, you should be able to find your pet’s microchip number within your account profile or pet details section. If you’ve forgotten your login details, check your email for confirmation emails from when you created the account, which might contain your username or links to reset your password.
The Ongoing Importance of Keeping Your Microchip Information Current
Finding your pet’s microchip number is only the first step. Maintaining up-to-date contact information in the online pet microchip registry is equally critical. This registry is the link between your pet’s microchip and you. If your contact details are outdated, the chances of being reunited with your lost pet significantly decrease. The information in the registry is what is accessed when your pet is scanned, providing the crucial contact details needed to reach you.
Registering your pet’s microchip is typically a straightforward process. It usually involves creating an account on the chosen registry’s website, similar to setting up any other online account. When registering, provide as much contact information as possible, including phone numbers, address, and even emergency contact details for a friend or family member. The more points of contact you provide, the higher the likelihood of a successful reunion.
Recognizing the importance of keeping microchip information current, August 15th is nationally recognized as “Check the Chip Day”. While immediate updates upon changes of address or phone numbers are ideal, life can get busy, and these updates can be overlooked. National Check the Chip Day serves as an annual reminder to verify and update your pet’s microchip registration information.
If you’re unsure which registry your pet is enrolled in, but you have the microchip number, you can utilize online microchip lookup tools. Websites like PetLink offer a free microchip lookup tool. By entering your pet’s microchip number into such a tool, it can identify the specific registry service your pet is registered with. Once identified, you can then go directly to that registry’s website to log in and update your information. If you encounter any login issues, most registry services offer customer support to assist you.
While we all strive to keep our pets safe, unforeseen events can happen. While collar tags are helpful, they can be lost or removed. Microchips offer a permanent form of identification, significantly increasing the odds of reuniting with your beloved pet if they ever get lost.
In the unfortunate event that your pet does go missing, knowing their microchip number is invaluable. Along with other identifying features like eye color and unique markings, the microchip number can be included on lost pet posters and provided to local shelters and veterinary clinics to aid in the search. Remember, keeping your contact information current in the microchip registry is the key to a swift and happy reunion with your furry companion.
