A Message To Pet Owners with Microchips View this as a printable PDF  |  Home

From the Staff at ChecktheChip.com

Photo of Chloe the Pug

We at ChecktheChip.com work to help more pets return home safely through this microchip database search tool for shelters and veterinarians, but pet owners must do their part too so they can do theirs. If your pet should become lost, your pet will look to you for help… and you will look to the microchip for help.


Follow these “Microchip Maintenance” Guidelines:

  1. DOES THE CHIP WORK: If you don’t know, then take your pet to a place that has a scanner and get the chip tested. In some very rare cases, the microchip may have fallen out because it was implanted improperly so it’s always best to check the chip.
  2. ARE YOU REGISTERED: Microchips + databases go together like bread + butter. Each microchip carries a unique number (ex:985121004545953, 021376343, etc.) which is registered in a database along with your info so make sure your contact information is up-to-date with the database.
  3. WHO HAS THE INFO: Use caution when only registering the microchip with your shelter or vet. If your pet is found after shelter or vet hours, your pet will have to wait until the shelter or vet office is open again. What if the pet is lost on a Friday night? Every microchip database operates a call center 24 hours a day so make sure to register with the database.
  4. MY PAPERWORK: Do you know where your paperwork is in case of an emergency? If you’ve misplaced the microchip number, have the pet scanned, look up the database at ChecktheChip.com, print the results. Then, keep the microchip number somewhere safe.
  5. OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND: Microchips are very small so it’s easy to forget that it’s there. Remember, you must remember to update your information if you move and remind your friends too.
  6. FRIENDS AND FAMILY: Most databases allow you to register a friend/family member in case they cannot reach you. Has this person moved or changed phone numbers?
Photo of Chance

According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), less than 2 percent of cats and only 15 to 20 percent of dogs are returned to their owners. Most of these were identified with tags, tattoos or microchips.

We are proud to work to help in the effort to return more lost pets home. Please print and share this PDF with your dog park, your local shelters and family and friends. Together, we can help more pets return home safely.



Home