May Is Chip Your Pet Month
Every year, thousands of pets go missing, and sadly, not all of them make it back home. One small but powerful tool can change that: a microchip.
Microchipping is a simple, effective way to permanently identify your pet. Unlike collars and tags, which can fall off or be removed, a microchip is a tiny device—about the size of a grain of rice—implanted just beneath your pet’s skin. It contains a unique ID number that connects to your contact information through a pet recovery database.
During Chip Your Pet Month, we’re encouraging all pet guardians to make sure their pets are protected—not just by getting them microchipped, but by keeping that chip information up to date.
Why Microchipping Is So Important
📌 Permanent ID
Microchips can’t be lost, removed, or worn down over time like a tag or collar.
📌 Higher Return Rates
A study by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) found that microchipped dogs were more than twice as likely to be reunited with their families. For cats, the return rate was even more dramatic.
📌 Proof of Ownership
In case of theft or a dispute, a microchip can provide a clear record of ownership.
Don’t Forget the Follow-Up: Keep It Current
Implanting the chip is only the first step. If your contact information isn’t up to date in the registry, the chip can’t do its job. That same AVMA study found that the most common reason chipped pets weren’t returned to their owners was because the phone number on file was incorrect or disconnected.
Make sure your info is up to date if you:
Change your phone number
Move to a new address
Rehome or adopt a pet
How to Check and Update Your Pet’s Chip
🐾 Have the chip scanned. Most vets or shelters can scan your pet’s chip to confirm it’s working and retrieve the chip number.
🐾 Find your registry. Not sure which company the chip is registered with? Online lookup tools can help based on the chip number.
🐾 Update your info. Log in to the registry or contact them directly to make changes.
🐾 Confirm it went through. Some registries will send a confirmation email or mailer—don’t skip this step!
At RAL, we believe every pet deserves a safe return if they ever get lost.
This Chip Your Pet Month, take five minutes to check your pet’s microchip status—or schedule an appointment to have one implanted. It’s a tiny step that can make a big difference.
