How Do I Know If My Pet’s Microchip Information Is Up to Date?

Your pet’s microchip could be the difference between a happy reunion and heartbreak when they go missing. A microchip is only as helpful as the information linked to it, and outdated contact details are the number one reason microchipped pets aren’t returned to their families.

At Pawtown Veterinary Care, Drs. Erin Miller and Lauren Stayer help Central Oregon pet owners protect their dogs and cats through microchipping and ongoing guidance to keep registrations current. We understand life gets busy between mountain adventures and daily routines, but taking a few minutes to verify your microchip information can make all the difference if your companion wanders off during a hike or slips out the door at home.

How to Check Your Pet’s Microchip Registration

The first step is locating your pet’s unique microchip number. If you still have the paperwork from when your pet was microchipped or adopted, the number should be listed there. You can also call us at Pawtown Veterinary Care, and we can scan your pet during any visit to retrieve the number.

Once you have the microchip number, you can use the American Animal Hospital Association’s Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool at PetMicrochipLookup.org to identify which registry maintains your pet’s information. This free online tool tells you which company’s database holds your contact details, so you can log in and verify that everything is up to date.

What Information Should Be Up to Date

Your microchip registration should reflect your current phone number, address and any additional emergency contacts. If you’ve moved to a new neighborhood in Bend or changed your cell phone number, updating this information is essential. Many registries also allow you to include details about your pet’s medical needs or behavioral notes that could help whoever finds them.

Double-check your email address is correct as well, since some registries will send reunion alerts or annual reminders through email. Keeping multiple contact methods on file increases the chances that a veterinary clinic or shelter can reach you quickly.

Why Microchip Registration Matters for Central Oregon Pets

Central Oregon’s outdoor lifestyle means dogs and cats often explore trails, forests, and open spaces where they could become lost or disoriented. Microchips provide permanent identification that doesn’t rely on collars or tags, which can fall off or be removed. Research from the American Veterinary Medical Association shows microchipped stray dogs are returned to their owners at more than double the rate of non-microchipped dogs, while cats with microchips are reunited with families 38.5% of the time compared to just 1.8% for those without chips.

Unfortunately, only about six in 10 microchips are registered, and incorrect phone numbers are the most common reason reunions don’t happen, even when pets are scanned. When animal control or a veterinary hospital finds a lost pet, they scan for a microchip as one of the first steps. The scanner reads the unique identification number, which is then looked up in the registry database. If your contact information is missing or outdated, the trail goes cold.

Updating Your Microchip Information Is Quick and Free

Most microchip registries allow you to update your information online at no cost. Log in to the registry associated with your pet’s microchip and navigate to the account or profile section. From there, you can edit your address, phone number, and other contact details in just a few minutes. Some registries send annual reminders to check your information, but it’s a good practice to review your registration whenever you experience a life change, such as moving, changing phone carriers, or adding a new emergency contact.

If you’re unsure which registry your pet is enrolled in or can’t remember your login information, the Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool can point you in the right direction. You can also contact the registry directly for assistance with accessing your account. Setting a reminder each year on Check the Chip Day, which falls on August 15, is a simple way to stay on top of this important task.

Trust Pawtown Veterinary Care for Your Pet’s Microchipping Needs

Since 2022, Pawtown Veterinary Care has served the Bend community with personalized veterinary services that prioritize the health and safety of your dogs and cats. Drs. Erin Miller and Lauren Stayer are passionate about preventive care and helping families keep their pets safe through microchipping, routine wellness exams, and client education.We offer CareCredit and ScratchPay financing options to make microchipping accessible to all pet owners in Central Oregon. If your pet isn’t microchipped yet or if you need help verifying their registration, contact us today to schedule an appointment at Pawtown Veterinary Care.