Check the Chip: Is Your Pet’s Microchip Up-to-Date?
AAHA Pet Microchip Lookup Tool Helps Owners Find Right Registry
How long ago did you have your cat or dog microchipped? Do you remember which microchip registry company was used? Are you certain your contact information is correct in the registry?
For most pet owners, the answers to these questions are a little bit fuzzy. You know you did the right thing and got your pet microchipped, but what happens if your pet were lost today? If the microchip contact information isn’t up-to-date, you might not be able to find your dog or cat.
The AVMA advises:
“To update your pet’s registration, you’ll need your pet’s microchip number. If you haven’t already created an account with the manufacturer, you’ll need to do that as well so you can access the registration in the future to update the information. Make sure that all of the information, particularly your phone number(s) and address, are correct.”
How to Find Your Microchip Manufacturer
The American Animal Hospital Association teamed up with most microchip manufacturing companies to help pet owners find which brand their microchip number belongs to. Click here to access the AAHA Microchip Lookup Tool.
According the the AVMA, the following microchip manufacturers can be identified with the AAHA tool:
- 24PetWatch
- AKC Companion Animal Recovery (AKC-CAR)
- EIDAP
- Found Animals
- HomeAgain (includes Banfield chips)
- InfoPet
- Microchip I.D. Systems
- PetKey
- PetLink
- Save This Life
- SmartTag Microchip
How to Find Your Pet’s Microchip Number
If you don’t know your pet’s microchip number, you need to have your pet scanned for free. Your veterinarian, animal shelters and animal control will all be able to do this. If they are using a universal scanner, the ID number will display. Give them a call before arriving to find out if you need an appointment.
Being prepared ahead of time is the best way to find a pet if they do become lost. So, check the chip, and check this item off your to-do list!