How to Microchip Your Pet and Keep the Registration Updated

What a microchip actually does

A microchip is a tiny implant, about the size of a grain of rice, that stores a unique identification number. It does not track your pet's location; instead, a vet or shelter can scan it and look up the number in a registry to find your contact details.

It is one of the most reliable ways to reunite a lost pet with its owner, because unlike a collar tag it cannot fall off.

Keep the registration current

The chip is only useful if the registry has your correct phone number and address. Many reunions fail because the registered details are years out of date.

• Record your pet's microchip number in their health record
• Register the chip with the provider and confirm your details
• Update the registry whenever you move or change your phone number
• Check the details after adopting a pet, since old owner data may still be attached

Pair the chip with a shareable profile

A microchip helps professionals, but a member of the public who finds your pet cannot scan it. Pairing the chip with an owner-controlled QR profile or ID tag gives finders an immediate, safe way to reach you while keeping your private records hidden.