Get Your Free Pet Microchip Registration Guide

Understanding Pet Microchips and Why Registration Matters

A pet microchip is a small electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice, that contains identification information about your pet. The chip is inserted under your pet's skin, typically between the shoulder blades, in a quick procedure similar to receiving a vaccination. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), approximately 67% of lost dogs and 85% of lost cats taken to shelters in the United States are never returned to their owners. Pet microchips significantly improve the chances of reunification when a lost pet is found and scanned by a veterinarian or animal shelter.

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The microchip itself does not work like a GPS tracker. Instead, it contains a unique identification number that is linked to a database record. When a lost pet is found and brought to a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, staff members scan the microchip with a reader device. The scanner reads the unique ID number, which is then used to look up the pet owner's contact information in a registration database. This is why microchip registration is essential—without registration, the chip is essentially useless because there is no way to connect the ID number to the pet owner.

Many pet owners assume that simply having a microchip implanted is enough to protect their pets. However, the AVMA reports that microchip effectiveness depends entirely on whether the owner has registered the chip and kept their contact information current. A microchip without registration leaves your pet with no way to be reunited with you, even if the chip is scanned. This common misunderstanding represents a significant gap in pet protection.

Registration databases vary by microchip manufacturer and region. Different companies maintain their own registries, including HomeAgain, AKC Reunite, PetLink, and others. Each database stores the unique ID number associated with your pet and your current contact details. When a scanner reads a chip, it provides the ID number to the person finding the pet, who can then contact the appropriate database to locate the owner. Understanding how this system works helps pet owners appreciate why registration and keeping information updated is crucial.

Practical Takeaway: A microchip only works as a reunification tool if it is registered with your current contact information. Before obtaining a microchip or registering an existing one, research which database your chip is registered with and understand how that specific system operates.

What Information Your Free Registration Guide Contains

A pet microchip registration guide provides educational information about the microchip registration process, helping pet owners understand what to expect and what steps they should take. The guide typically explains the basic components of microchip technology, describing how the chip stores information and how scanning works. It also outlines the relationship between microchip implantation and registration—two separate but connected steps that many pet owners conflate.

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The guide generally includes information about different microchip manufacturers and their associated registration databases. Since different companies maintain different databases, understanding which system your pet's chip belongs to is important. The guide may provide an overview of major registries in your region and explain how to identify which database your chip is registered with. This information helps owners navigate the registration process correctly.

Most guides include step-by-step information about how to register a microchip, whether the chip was just implanted or already exists in your pet. The guide typically explains what information you will need to have ready, such as the microchip number (found on your veterinary records or the implant documentation), your pet's details, and your contact information. It describes the general registration process and may provide information about online registration options versus telephone registration.

The guide usually addresses important questions that pet owners have, such as the cost of registration (most initial registrations are free or very low cost), whether registration information can be updated if you move or change phone numbers, and what happens if your pet is found and scanned. Educational guides typically explain the steps a shelter or veterinary clinic takes when they scan a microchip and need to contact the owner.

Additionally, the guide often includes information about maintaining accurate registration records over time. It explains the importance of updating your information whenever you move, change phone numbers, or change email addresses. Many guides note that registration records that are years old or contain outdated contact information are significantly less helpful in reuniting lost pets with their owners.

Practical Takeaway: Review the guide's explanation of what information the registration database stores and what information you will need to provide. Having your pet's microchip number and your current contact details ready before you begin registration makes the process straightforward.

Step-by-Step Information About Microchip Registration

The registration process begins with locating your pet's microchip number. This number is typically provided to you at the time of implantation on a document from your veterinarian. It may also be printed on your pet's vaccination records or implant certificate. The microchip number is a unique identifier, often 15 digits long, though some may be shorter. If you do not have this number, your veterinarian can scan your pet and provide it to you, or you can contact the clinic where the implant was performed and request the documentation.

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Once you have the microchip number, you need to determine which database the chip is registered with. Many veterinary clinics can tell you which manufacturer's chip they implanted and which database it belongs to. If you do not know this information, the registration guide typically provides guidance on how to determine the chip's manufacturer. Some databases, like HomeAgain and PetLink, allow you to search for a chip by entering the microchip number on their website to see which database it is registered with.

The actual registration process involves navigating to the appropriate database's website and providing your contact information. You will typically need to enter your pet's microchip number, your pet's name, species (dog or cat), breed, age or date of birth, color or markings, and your full name and contact information. Most databases request your street address, phone number, and email address. Some databases allow you to register additional contacts, such as a family member or a local veterinarian, who can be contacted if your pet is found.

After submitting your information, most databases will send you a confirmation email with your account details and a login username or PIN. This confirmation serves as proof of registration. It is advisable to save this confirmation email and store the information in a safe location. You may need to reference this information later if you need to update your contact details or if you have questions about your registration status.

If you prefer not to register online, most major databases maintain phone lines where you can register by telephone. A representative can walk you through providing your information verbally, and your registration will be entered into the system. This option may take slightly longer but provides the same result as online registration.

Practical Takeaway: Gather your pet's microchip number and your current contact information before you begin registration. Know which database your chip belongs to before you start, as each database has its own registration website or phone line.

Keeping Your Registration Information Current

One of the most critical aspects of pet microchip registration is maintaining accurate information in the database. According to research from the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, a significant percentage of microchipped pets are not reunited with their owners because the registration information is outdated or incorrect. Common issues include phone numbers that are no longer active, addresses from previous residences, and email addresses that are no longer monitored. When a shelter or veterinary clinic attempts to contact a pet owner, outdated contact information makes reunification impossible.

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If you move to a new address, you should update your registration information with the database as soon as possible. Most databases allow you to log into your account online and update your address directly. If you change phone numbers, update this information in your registration record right away. If you change email addresses, update the email on file so that you continue to receive any communications from the database. These updates typically take just a few minutes and may be done at any time.

Some pet owners change registration databases if they move to a different region or if they discover a different database that they prefer. If this happens to you, make sure to transfer your pet's registration to the new database. You may also want to keep registration information in multiple databases for added security, though this is not required. Some veterinarians now register new microchips with multiple databases automatically during the implantation visit.

Periodic review of your registration information is a good practice. Once or twice per year, log into your registration account and confirm that the information displayed is correct. Check that your current phone number is listed, your correct address is on file, and your pet