Lost Dog? How to Update Your Pup’s Microchip Details

Why You Might Need to Update Your Dog’s Microchip Information

There are several common reasons why you may need to update the contact information associated with your dog’s microchip. One of the most frequent reasons is moving to a new home. When you move, your address and phone number will change, so you’ll need to update that information in your dog’s microchip record so you can be contacted if your dog is ever lost. According to the Ohio State University Indoor Pet Initiative, return to owner rates are much higher for lost dogs with up-to-date microchip information.

Aside from moving, other life events may prompt you to update your dog’s microchip information. Getting a new phone number, whether a cell phone or landline, means you’ll have to provide the microchip company with your new contact details. If you change your email address, that should be updated too. Major changes in your life circumstances like marriage or divorce that involve a last name change also require updating your dog’s microchip to your new legal name.

Even if nothing major has changed, it’s a good idea to double check your dog’s microchip information every so often. Over time it’s easy for small errors to creep in or for your contact details to become outdated. Regularly verifying the accuracy of your dog’s microchip data ensures you can be reached if your dog ever becomes lost.

How to Look Up Your Dog’s Current Microchip Information

If you don’t know your dog’s microchip number, the first step is to contact the microchip company your vet likely registered your dog’s chip with. The three largest microchip registries in the US are HomeAgain, 24PetWatch, and AKC Reunite. You can enter your dog’s information like name, breed, age, etc. on their websites to search their databases and retrieve the microchip number associated with your pet:

• HomeAgain: https://www.homeagain.com/pet-microchip-lookup.html
• 24PetWatch: https://24petwatch.com/owners/pet-finder
• AKC Reunite: https://www.akcreunite.org/find/

If you know which company your vet uses, you can also call their customer support line and provide your name, address, pet name, breed, age, etc. to lookup your dog’s microchip number. Once you have the microchip number, you’ll be able to update your contact information associated with that chip.

What You’ll Need to Update the Information

To update your dog’s microchip information, you will need to provide the microchip company with your new contact details including:

• New address – Your current home address where your dog lives. This should include street, city, state, and zip code.
• Phone number – A phone number where you can be reached at in case your dog is lost. Provide your home, work, and/or cell number.
• Email address – An email address where you can receive notifications. Many microchip companies will email updates and reminders.

Having accurate contact information linked to your dog’s microchip is crucial in case your pet ever gets lost. The microchip is useless if the company doesn’t have your current details to reach you. So update the information if you move or change phone numbers (Microchipping FAQ).

Contact the Microchip Company

To update your dog’s microchip information, you’ll need to directly contact the company that manages your dog’s microchip registry. The main ways to get in touch are:

• Call – Every major microchip company has a customer service phone number you can call. Calling allows you to speak directly with a representative to update your contact details. Some companies that offer phone support include HomeAgain (1-888-466-3242), 24PetWatch (1-866-597-2424) and AKC Reunite (1-800-252-7894).
• Email – Most registries also provide customer support email addresses. Sending an email allows you to explain the changes and provide your updated contact info. Just be sure to include your dog’s microchip number. Common emails are [email protected] for HomeAgain and [email protected] for AKC Reunite.
• Use Online Form – Major registries like Avid and Found Animals have online forms you can fill out to submit address changes. This allows you to update details and receive confirmation quickly without talking to a person. Check your microchip company’s website for an online contact update form.

Before reaching out, make sure you have your dog’s microchip number and any verification info handy. The company will authenticate you before processing changes. Calling the support line is often the quickest way to get your dog’s microchip registry updated.

Provide Authentication

To update your contact information in your dog’s microchip record, you’ll likely need to provide authentication that you are the dog’s rightful owner. This is an important verification step to prevent fraud or unauthorized changes.

The microchip company will ask you to confirm ownership in some way. This usually involves providing documentation such as:

• Veterinary records showing you as the owner and paying for care
• Adoption contracts or paperwork if adopting from a shelter or rescue
• Purchase/sales contracts if buying from a breeder
• Licensing or registration documents in your name

Having complete vet records with your name is one of the best forms of authentication. Your veterinarian can provide copies if needed. Adoption papers, pet store purchase receipts, and licensing docs can also prove ownership.

If you don’t have paperwork, your vet may be able to vouch for you as the primary caretaker. Photos, receipts for food/supplies, or records of you reporting your pet missing can also help validate you as the owner.

The microchip company just wants to prevent unauthorized changes and confirm you are the real owner. Be prepared to provide as much documentation as possible.

Submit the Updated Contact Details

Once you have verified your identity with the microchip company, the next step is to submit your dog’s new contact information. This typically involves filling out a form online or over the phone with your new address, phone number, and email address.

For example, HomeAgain has an online form where you can enter your new contact details to update your record. They’ll ask for information like your new street address, city, state, zip code, phone number, and email address (Avma.org). This updates your dog’s microchip registration so that your current details are on file if your dog ever gets lost.

Other major microchip companies like 24PetWatch and AKC Reunite also have online forms to submit address changes. Provide your new details accurately so you can be contacted if your dog is found. Once submitted, expect an email confirmation that your dog’s microchip information has been updated.

Confirm the Changes

After submitting your updated contact information, it’s important to confirm that the microchip company has actually changed the details associated with your dog’s microchip. Contact the company again and verify that your new address, phone number, and email are on file for your pet’s microchip.

According to one source, around 10-15% of microchip registrations contain some sort of error that could prevent lost pets from being returned home (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4494412/). That’s why it’s crucial to follow up and ensure your dog’s microchip information is fully updated in the database.

The microchip company should be able to look up your dog’s microchip number and confirm the details they have on file. Make sure to ask them to read back your complete updated address, phone numbers, and any other critical contact info. Before ending the call, request written confirmation via email or mail as well.

With confirmation that your dog’s microchip details are updated, you can rest assured you’ve taken this important step to help securely reunite with your lost pet. Keeping your dog’s tag and microchip current will give you the best chances for a happy reunion if they ever get lost.

Notify Your Vet

Be sure to let your veterinarian know that you have updated the contact information on your dog’s microchip. This ensures your vet has the most up-to-date records for contacting you in case your dog is brought to their office.

Call or stop by your vet’s office and provide them with your dog’s updated microchip information, including the new address and phone number listed. Some vet offices can update this in your dog’s electronic records with just a phone call, while others may ask you to bring in your dog for a quick microchip scan to get the new details.

Updating your vet ensures that if your dog ever gets lost and is brought to the vet clinic, they will be able to access your latest contact info from the microchip data and get your dog safely back home. Keeping your vet informed about microchip changes is an important part of being a responsible pet owner.

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Update Your Dog’s ID Tag

After changing your contact information in your dog’s microchip registry, it’s important to also update your dog’s ID tag with the new information. Your dog’s ID tag serves as a secondary form of identification should your dog ever get lost. Having an ID tag with current contact details makes it much easier for someone who finds your lost dog to get in touch with you.

You’ll want to purchase a new ID tag that includes your updated address and phone number. Many pet stores and online retailers like dogIDs, SmartTag, and GoTags sell customizable ID tags where you can enter in your new contact information.

Look for a tag that clearly states your dog is microchipped and displays the microchip number, in addition to your contact details. This will alert anyone who finds your dog that there is a microchip present they can scan to identify you as the owner.

Once you receive the new ID tag, attach it to your dog’s collar. Make sure the tag is securely fastened and check it periodically to ensure it hasn’t fallen off. A visible, up-to-date ID tag is an essential safeguard in case your dog ever gets lost.

Next Steps for Responsible Pet Owners

While ensuring your dog’s microchip information is up to date is crucial, there are other important steps pet owners should take to be responsible:

Schedule annual vet checkups to keep your dog healthy. Vets can scan your dog’s chip at appointments to verify info. See [1]

Update your contact details with the microchip company if you move or change phone numbers again. It takes just a few minutes. See [2]

Replace your dog’s ID tag if it becomes worn or the contact info is outdated. Current tags are crucial in case the collar slips off. See [3]

Continue providing your dog with proper nutrition, exercise, training, and affection. Happy dogs start with responsible owners. See [4]