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For pet parents, microchipping is one of the most reliable ways to ensure lost pets can find their way home. However, with a major microchip company recently going out of business, many pet parents are left wondering—does my pet’s microchip still work? And if so, how can I make sure my information is still accessible?
We spoke with Dr. Liza Cahn, veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, to break down what pet owners need to know about microchipping, the risks of outdated registration, and how to ensure your pet stays protected.
Why Microchipping Matters
Microchips are small, rice-sized devices implanted under a pet’s skin. Unlike collars and ID tags, which can fall off or be removed, a microchip provides a permanent form of identification. When scanned by a shelter or vet, the microchip displays a unique ID number that is linked to the owner's contact information in a pet recovery database.
According to a study involving shelter pets in 2009, microchipped dogs were more than twice as likely to be reunited with their families, while microchipped cats were over 20 times more likely to return home compared to pets without microchips. However, many microchips scanned in the study were not registered properly, meaning pet owners never got the call when their lost pet was found.
Because microchipping is such a critical part of pet safety, Embrace’s Wellness Rewards Program reimburses pet owners for microchipping costs—helping to ensure more pets have a permanent form of identification in case they ever get lost.
What Happens When a Microchip Company Closes?
The recent closure of a major microchip provider has left some pet parents uncertain about what this means for their pets. The good news? The microchip itself still works.
Dr. Cahn advises that even if a microchip company shuts down, the chip can still be scanned. However, it may no longer be linked to your contact information. To keep your pet’s microchip functional, pet owners should:
Check your microchip number using the
AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool
to see which company holds your pet’s registration.
If your microchip provider is no longer in business, register your pet’s chip with a different database to ensure your information stays accessible.
Update your contact details regularly, especially if you move or change phone numbers.
Other Identification Methods to Keep Your Pet Safe
While microchips are essential, they shouldn’t be the only way your pet can be identified. Dr. Cahn recommends:
Collars with ID tags
– Every pet, including indoor cats, should wear a collar with a tag that lists your phone number and address.
Breakaway collars for cats
– Outdoor cats should wear a breakaway collar with an ID tag to prevent getting caught on objects.
Vet wellness checks
– Vets routinely scan microchips at wellness visits, helping ensure the chip is still working and hasn’t migrated under the skin.
One great option for pet owners is 24PetWatch, the largest microchip database in North America. Trusted by millions for over 20 years, 24PetWatch helps reunite lost pets with their families—and registration is completely free.
Microchipping is one of the best ways to protect your pet, but it only works if your contact information is up to date. If you’re unsure whether your pet’s microchip is still registered, now is the time to check.
Being proactive about your pet’s identification today could make all the difference in bringing them home tomorrow.