Reminder to Check and Update Your Pet's Microchip: A Simple Step to Ensure Their Safety
As pet parents, we know how much our furry friends mean to us. Whether it's their joyful bark, a comforting purr, or simply their presence in our lives, our pets become family. But as much as we cherish them, the unfortunate reality is that pets can sometimes go missing. According to the American Humane Society, about 10 million pets are lost every year in the U.S. alone. One of the best ways to ensure your pet’s safe return is by keeping their microchip information up-to-date.
Microchips are a powerful tool in pet identification. They’re small, permanent, and virtually impossible for pets to lose, unlike collars or tags. But did you know that your microchip only works if your contact information is current? That’s why regularly checking and updating your pet’s microchip details is an essential step in ensuring they’re always safe.
Why Is It Important to Update Your Pet’s Microchip?
A microchip is a tiny electronic chip, roughly the size of a grain of rice, inserted under your pet’s skin. It contains a unique ID number linked to your contact details in a pet recovery database. If your pet ever gets lost and is found, shelters and vets can scan the microchip to retrieve the information and contact you directly. However, if your contact info has changed and hasn’t been updated in the microchip registry, your pet may be lost longer than necessary.
Here are a few reasons why updating your pet’s microchip is crucial:
1. Moving to a New Address? Update Your Info
If you've moved recently, make sure your new address is on file with the microchip company. In some cases, a microchip may be scanned and your old address may still show up, preventing quick contact.
2. Changed Your Phone Number? Don’t Forget to Update
Your phone number is just as critical. If your contact number changes, you risk being unreachable if your pet is found. It’s a small but vital update that could make all the difference in getting your pet home quickly.
3. Added or Changed Emergency Contacts?
If you’ve added a new emergency contact or if your pet is being cared for by someone else, make sure to update their details as well. This ensures that no matter who is responsible for your pet, they’ll still be contacted.
4. Reuniting with a Lost Pet is Easier
A microchip provides a safety net in case your pet goes missing. While a collar with tags is a great addition, they can be lost or removed. Microchips, however, stay with your pet for life, providing a permanent form of identification. But again, only if your details are current.
New Concerns for Pet Parents: Save This Life Microchip Company Closure
While microchips remain a crucial tool in keeping pets safe, recent events have raised concerns for pet parents who have their pets registered with certain microchip companies. One such company, Save This Life, which had been providing microchip services, recently ceased operations, leaving many pet parents wondering what their next steps should be.
According to official documents from the state of Texas, Save This Life has shut down its services. Animal organizations across the nation are now worried about pets that still have microchips registered with this company, as the lack of operation could delay or prevent the reuniting of lost pets with their families. The microchips may still be functional, but without access to an active registry, it could be more challenging for shelters and vets to contact the right pet parents if their pets are found.
What Can You Do If Your Pet’s Microchip Is Registered with Save This Life?
If your pet's microchip is registered with Save This Life, here’s what you can do:
Contact Save This Life Directly – Even though the company has closed, there may be instructions on their website or via customer service for transitioning your pet's registration to another microchip provider.
Transfer Your Pet’s Registration – Some pet microchip companies allow you to transfer your pet’s registration to their database. This may require you to update your pet's microchip number with a new company. Contact the company that originally issued your pet’s chip for further guidance.
Check for Updates from Animal Organizations – Various animal welfare groups are working to provide solutions for pets affected by this issue. Keep an eye out for any updates from them on next steps.
How to Check and Update Your Pet’s Microchip Information
The good news is, checking and updating your pet’s microchip information is easy and can often be done online. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Locate Your Pet’s Microchip Number
You should have received your pet’s microchip number at the time of adoption or microchipping. If you don’t have it, don’t worry! Your vet or shelter can scan your pet and provide you with the number.
2. Find Your Microchip Registry
Each microchip company has its own registry, such as:
HomeAgain
Avid
PetLink
AKC Reunite
Look up the provider of your pet’s microchip (this is often noted on your pet’s vet records) and visit their website.
3. Log In to Your Account
If you have an existing account with the microchip company, simply log in and make the necessary changes. If you don’t have an online account, most companies allow you to create one using your pet’s microchip number.
4. Update Your Information
Once you’ve logged in, you can update your contact details, including your address, phone number, and emergency contacts. Don’t forget to save the changes.
5. Confirm the Update
Some companies may send a confirmation email or require you to verify your new details. Make sure to follow the instructions to finalize the update.
Other Tips for Ensuring Your Pet’s Safety
Updating your pet’s microchip isn’t the only step you can take to ensure they stay safe. Here are a few additional tips:
Ensure Your Pet’s Collar and ID Tags Are Visible: Even if your pet has a microchip, always have an ID tag with their name and your phone number on their collar.
Spay or Neuter Your Pet: Spayed or neutered pets are less likely to roam far away, which decreases their chances of getting lost.
Consider a GPS Tracker: For added peace of mind, GPS trackers can help you keep tabs on your pet’s location in real time.
Final Thoughts
While no one ever wants to think about losing their pet, it’s crucial to be proactive about their safety. A microchip is an essential part of that safety, but it only works if the contact information is up-to-date. Whether you’ve moved, changed your number, or just want to ensure your pet’s info is current, take a few minutes today to check and update their microchip. It’s a small step that could make a world of difference in reuniting you with your pet if the unexpected happens.
With the recent closure of Save This Life, it’s more important than ever to stay vigilant. Ensure your pet's registration is active, and consider transferring it if needed. Your pet relies on you for their care and safety, and keeping their microchip details current is an easy way to make sure you're ready if they need help finding their way home.
Have you checked your pet’s microchip lately?
