Microchip Myths & Misconceptions

Contrary to what many consumers think, a pet’s microchip doesn’t track a pet like a GPS device, and the chip doesn’t even store pet owner’s contact info. 57% of pet owners don’t know how a microchip works. 1 in 3 don’t know whether their chip is registered or if their info is up to date.

Microchips are the only permanent form of identification for pets when they’re used properly, but it’s not enough to get a pet microchipped; owners also have to register the chip.

Many pet owners don’t realize that a chip only contains a unique number – like a pet’s social security number. When scanned by a shelter, veterinarian, or animal control, that microchip number is used to look up a pet owner’s contact info in a registry so they can attempt to get the pets home where they belong.

Another reason that pet owners don’t register their pets is the cost. www.iRegisterPets.com can help get your pet's microchip registered for a small, one-time fee. Don't put it off! Because microchips are the only form of permanent ID, it’s essential that pet owners microchip and register their microchip. Registration is key. The chip can be scanned but without the registration, there will be no information associated with that chip number.

And its important to make sure that owners keep their contact information updated in the event that they travel, move or change phone numbers. If the contact information is not current, then if Fido gets lost and scanned, the shelter could be contacting a number that is no longer in service while he sits in a shelter.