Proper identification and up-to-date contact information can ensure a swift reunion if your pet ever goes missing.
With a startled reaction to thunder or fireworks, an accidental escape through an open door, or surpassing the boundaries of an invisible fence, pets can quickly go missing from home. Statistics show that one in three pets will experience this situation at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, 90% of missing pets never find their way back home due to a lack of proper identification.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) established August 15th annually as National Check the Chip Day to emphasize the importance of microchipping and maintaining updated registration information.
Over 50% of microchipped dogs and nearly 40% of microchipped cats are successfully reunited with family. By prioritizing proper identification through microchipping and diligently updating registration details, you can ensure a swift reunion in times of distress.
The importance of maintaining an active chip registration and ensuring current contact information cannot be overstated when it comes to reuniting lost pets with their families. When a lost pet arrives at a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, one of the first steps is to scan for a microchip. The microchip is linked to a registry that contains vital contact information. Chances of a quick and joyful reunion with your furry friend significantly increases if the contact information is up-to-date.
- If your veterinary practice is administering the chip, inquire whether the registration is part of their service or if you’ll need to handle the registration process independently. Remember to request your pet’s chip number and registry information for convenient access to keep the details current.
- If you’re considering adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue, it’s crucial to ascertain whether the animal has been microchipped, and who is responsible for registering the chip and owner information.
Checking your dog or cat into a secure pet resort for a day, during a celebration, or while you are away from home, is another option for keeping your pet safe and comfortable. Green Acres Pet Resort in DeForest, WI, is a veterinarian-owned resort that offers pet care you can trust. Your dog or cat receives personal attention and customized activities from our highly-trained pet care professionals. Advanced systems and protocols as well as secure fencing provide exceptional safety.
Have you moved recently?
Did you disconnect a landline number in favor of using mobile only?
Ask your veterinary practice to scan for your pet’s microchip number so that you can update your contact information with the registry service.
For more information on microchip registries and lookup services, please visit:
If unsuccessful, you can search for the registry holding the microchip identification code by using the AAHA Pet Microchip Registry Lookup. To access the contact information registered to the microchip, you must contact the registry service.
- If the microchip begins with 98101, please call Banfield at 1-877-567-8738
- If the microchip begins with 985 and has a 10-digit alphanumeric or 15-digit numeric code, please call HomeAgain at 1-888-466-3242
- If the microchip begins with 977 and has a 9-digit numeric or 15-digit numeric code, please call AVID at 1-800-336-2843 ext. 4
- If the microchip begins with 982 and had a 10-digit alphanumeric or 15-digit numeric code, please contact 24PetWatch at 1-866-597-2424
- If the microchip begins with 956 and has a 10-digit alphanumeric or 15-digit numeric code, please contact AKC-CAR at 1-800-252-7894
- If the microchip begins with 98102, please contact Datamars at 781-281-2197