Is your pet’s microchip registered? Don’t assume it was done for you
#BonnieHays
A microchip is a permanent form of identification that is placed under your pet’s skin by a veterinarian or their staff. When detected by a scanner, the microchip provides a series of numbers that can be used to look up who a pet belongs to. But for a microchip to help a lost pet make it back home, it must be registered.
Many people assume their pet’s microchip was registered by their veterinarian, the organization they adopted from, or their breeder. This isn’t always the case. You might have to register the microchip yourself.
How to register a microchip or verify the contact information associated with it:
Get your pet’s microchip number. This number may be in your vet records or your adoption paperwork. If you can’t find the number, your veterinarian’s office can scan your pet for the chip and give you the number. You can also stop by Animal Services with your pet and we’ll scan it for you!
Go to PetMicrochipLookup.org and enter the microchip number. This database from the American Animal Hospital Association will provide you with the company to contact regarding the chip.
Call or go to the microchip company’s website to register the chip or update your information. There is usually a fee to register the chip. You may want to create a secondary registration for the chip on a website like 24PetWatch.com (formerly Found Animals free microchip registration database). We can also add your pet’s microchip information to our records at Animal Services.
In addition to checking to make sure your pet’s microchip is registered, make sure they are also wearing a collar with an ID tag. A microchip can help an animal make it back home once the pet arrives at an animal shelter or veterinarian’s office. But your neighbors will first look for a collar and tag if they find your furry friend!
For more information on these topics and more, please visit www.WashingtonCountyPets.com. The Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter is located at 1901 SE 24th Ave in Hillsboro. If you have a question for the animal shelter, email Stacy_Beckley@washingtoncountyor.gov
