Microchipping 101

Check the Chip Day is coming up on August 15! Did you know a microchip can make all the difference in getting your beloved companion back home safely? This simple tool is one of the most effective ways to ensure a happy reunion if your pet ever gets lost!

A microchip is a small, rice-sized ID that is implanted harmlessly under your pet’s skin. It’s a permanent form of identification that can’t fall off or be lost like a collar or tag. If your missing pet is found and brought to a veterinarian or an animal shelter, a simple scan can reveal the unique ID number on the chip.

This is where the most crucial part comes in: that unique number links to your contact information in a secure pet registry. If your contact details are current, you can be contacted right away and reunited with your pet.

How to Check the Chip

Your pet’s microchip is only as good as the information it holds. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your contact details are always up-to-date.

1. Find your pet’s microchip number: Your veterinarian can scan your pet to see if a microchip is present and provide you with the ID number. If you adopted your pet from a shelter, they likely provided you with this information at the time of adoption. We welcome you to visit one of our weekly low-cost Vaccine Clinics to receive a free scan, and we’ll provide you with your pet’s microchip ID number!
2. Find the microchip registry: There are dozens of different microchip companies, and each one manages its own registry. The easiest way to find out which company your pet’s chip is registered with is to use the universal pet microchip lookup tool at www.petmicrochiplookup.org.
3. Update your information: Once you’ve identified the registry, contact the company directly to update your details. Keeping your information current is always free—you should never have to pay to update your contact details.

Need a Microchip?

If your pet isn’t microchipped yet, or you’re not sure, now is the perfect time to get it done. The peace of mind is priceless! It’s a simple, inexpensive procedure that can save you and your pet from heartache. Join us at one of our weekly low-cost Vaccine Clinics to receive a microchip for $35.

Did you adopt from Foothills Animal Shelter? Your pet received a microchip, and it was registered with the info you provided at the time of adoption! If you’ve moved or changed your contact information, you’ll need to update it directly with the your pet’s microchip registry.