Is your pet’s microchip registration current? If not, it could be doing your pet more harm than good!

A microchip is a tiny device about the size of a grain of rice that is implanted under the pet’s skin. This is done with a needle, so the process is much like getting an injection. Scanners at veterinary clinics, humane societies and animal shelters across the country can detect these chips and a national registry permits the return of microchipped pets throughout the United States and Canada.

Remember, however, that microchipping alone is not enough.You must register the microchip with the manufacturer and keep your contact information current, especially if you move to a new address or change your phone number.

To remind pet owners to have their pets microchipped and to keep their registration information current, the American Veterinary Medical Asssociation (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) have joined together to create “Check the Chip Day.”

If your pet is microchipped:

  • Check your pet’s registration information in the microchip manufacturer’s database to ensure all contact information is current. To do this, you will need to contact the manufacturer of your pet’s microchip directly and give them your pet’s microchip number.
  • If you do not know the manufacturer of your pet’s microchip, AAHA’s Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool can help. This internet-based application is linked to the registries of the majority of microchip manufacturers and allows a quick database search of any microchip made by these manufacturers. Simply enter your pet’s microchip number and the application will generate the name of the manufacturer.

Photo Credit: Rich Mason on Flickr

  • Don’t know your pet’s microchip number? We’re happy to help! Simply bring your pet to the hospital and we will scan him/her for you.

 

If your pet is not microchipped:

  • Make an appointment with us! It only takes a few minutes and we can register your pet immediately. Call us at (760) 456-9556 or go here.

 

For more information about National Check the Chip Day, click here.

The Drake Center uses Home Again. If you had your pet microchipped with us, you may contact them at 1-888-HOMEAGAIN or online here, to update your information.