Have you ever wondered what would happen if your dog slipped out the front door or your cat wandered farther than usual? A microchip is one of the best tools for helping lost pets find their way back home. But there is one detail many pet owners overlook. A microchip only works if the contact information linked to it is accurate.
The good news is that updating your pet’s microchip information usually takes about five minutes. Whether you’ve moved, changed your phone number, or adopted a pet with an existing microchip, keeping your registration current is one of the easiest ways to protect your furry family member.
Why Keeping Your Microchip Information Current Matters
Your pet’s microchip is a small electronic chip implanted just under the skin between the shoulder blades. It contains a unique identification number that can be read with a special scanner used by veterinary clinics and animal shelters.
One common misconception is that a microchip stores your phone number or home address. It does not. Instead, the chip displays an identification number that is linked to your information in a secure registration database.
If your contact information is outdated, the microchip cannot do its job. Even something as simple as an old phone number could make it difficult for someone to reach you if your pet is found.
Keeping your pet microchip registration up to date helps improve the chances of a fast reunion if your pet ever becomes lost.
Step 1: Find Your Pet’s Microchip Number
Before you can update your pet’s information, you’ll need the microchip number.
You may find it in:
- Your adoption or breeder paperwork
- Previous veterinary records
- Your microchip registration paperwork
If you cannot locate the number, don’t worry. Our veterinarian can quickly scan your pet’s microchip during a visit. The scan is painless and takes only a few moments.
Having the correct microchip number is the first step in updating your pet’s registration.
Step 2: Identify the Microchip Registration Company
Once you have the microchip number, you’ll need to determine which company manages the registration database.
In many cases, this information is included with your adoption paperwork or veterinary records. If you are unsure, several online microchip lookup tools can help identify the registry using the microchip number.
If you’re still having trouble, our veterinary team can scan your pet’s microchip and help point you in the right direction. Many pet owners are surprised to learn that the company that manufactured the microchip is not always the same company that maintains the registration.
Step 3: Access Your Registration Account
Visit the microchip company’s website and log into your account.
If you’ve forgotten your username or password, most registries have a simple account recovery process.
If your pet’s dog microchip registration or cat microchip registration was never completed, you may need to create a new account and register the microchip for the first time. This is especially common with adopted pets, since ownership information is not always transferred automatically.
Take a few moments to review the existing information before making updates.
Step 4: Update Your Contact Information
Now it’s time to make sure every detail is correct.
Review and update your:
- Home address
- Mobile phone number
- Alternate phone number
- Email address
- Emergency contact
- Secondary owner, if applicable
After making your changes, save the updated information and look for a confirmation message or email. This confirms that your new contact information has been successfully added to the database.
If you’ve recently moved to or within the Oakdale area, this is a great opportunity to verify that your address is current.
Step 5: Double-Check Your Registration
Before you log out, take one last look at your account.
Make sure:
- Every phone number is correct
- Your email address is spelled correctly
- Your emergency contact is still current
- Your pet’s information matches your records
Many pet owners find it helpful to set a yearly reminder on their phone or calendar to review their pet microchip information. You should also update your registration anytime you move, change phone numbers, or transfer ownership of your pet.
These quick checks can save valuable time if your pet is ever lost.
Need Help? We’re Here for You
Not sure if your pet has a microchip? Can’t find the registration paperwork? Unsure which company manages your pet’s microchip?
Our veterinary team at Homey Gnome Veterinary Clinic is here to help. We can scan your pet’s microchip, provide the identification number, and help you determine where it is registered. If your pet isn’t microchipped yet, we can also discuss whether microchipping is right for your dog or cat during your next wellness visit.
Keeping your pet’s identification current is a simple step that offers lasting peace of mind.
If your pet is due for a checkup or you’d like assistance with pet microchip registration, contact Homey Gnome Veterinary Clinic in Oakdale, MN at (651) 202-3388 to schedule an appointment.
You can also visit our online pharmacy for year-round preventive care products and pet health essentials.
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