National Chip Your Pet Month History shines a light on the vital role microchipping plays in keeping pets safe. Launched as an initiative by the American Kennel Club, this awareness campaign highlights microchipping as a reliable, permanent form of pet identification.

The origins of microchipping trace back to the 1950s, when the technology was first used to track wildlife. Eventually, this innovation was adapted for household pets, providing a groundbreaking way to help reunite lost animals with their owners.

As more pet owners recognized the limitations of collars and tags—which can break or fall off—microchipping gained popularity as a secure, tamper-proof solution. A microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is typically implanted between a pet’s shoulder blades. This chip carries a unique ID number that links to a registry, allowing shelters and veterinarians to quickly retrieve the owner’s contact information with a simple scan.

National Chip Your Pet Month reminds pet owners not only to microchip their pets but also to keep their registration details up to date. It’s a small action that makes a big difference, as studies show microchipped pets are significantly more likely to be reunited with their families if they go missing.