Introduction
A microchip is a small electronic device that is implanted under a dog’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. The microchip contains a unique identification number that can be scanned by a vet or shelter to look up the dog’s registration information and reunite them with their owner if they become lost or stolen.
Microchipping dogs has become very common, with many municipalities even requiring it by law for licensing. Microchips provide permanent identification for dogs, unlike collars or tags which can be removed. They are also very convenient – the microchip number stays with the dog for life, so owners don’t have to worry about updating registration information if they move or change phone numbers. Overall, microchips greatly improve the chances of lost dogs being returned to their owners. According to the AVMA, microchipped pets are over 20 times more likely to be reunited with their families if lost.
Checking Registration Documents
When a dog is microchipped, the vet or shelter will provide paperwork that contains the unique microchip number. Check any documents you received when your dog was adopted or microchipped the first time. This paperwork is usually given in the form of a registration form or certificate that contains the microchip company name and microchip number.
The microchip number may be labeled as an “ID number” or “unique ID code.” It will be a string of letters and numbers around 10-15 characters long. This is the most direct way to find your dog’s existing microchip number if you still have the original paperwork.
If you adopted your dog from a shelter or rescue, check the adoption contract, medical records, or other documents they provided. These often note if the dog arrived at the shelter already microchipped and may list the microchip number.
Similarly, if your vet implanted the microchip, their records should document the new microchip number.
Be sure to check folders or digital files where you store your dog’s important information. If you cannot find paperwork that lists your dog’s microchip number, you will need to use other methods to identify it.
Contact the Microchip Company
Another way to find your dog’s microchip number is to directly contact the microchip company that manufactured the chip. Every microchip has a unique barcode or identification number that can be used to look up the associated registration information.
To find the microchip company, check any documentation you received when your dog was microchipped, such as the registration form or certificate. This should list the name and contact information for the manufacturer. If you no longer have this documentation, you will need to bring your dog to a veterinarian or shelter to have the chip scanned and identify the company.
Once you know the microchip company, call their customer service line and provide the microchip’s barcode or ID number. Make sure to have your dog’s name handy as you may need to verify your ownership. The customer service representative can then search their database and provide the linked registration information, including the microchip number associated with your dog.
Some of the largest microchip manufacturers include Avid Pet Microchips, HomeAgain, 24PetWatch, and Bayer. Their customer service teams are equipped to look up pet registration details once the barcode ID is provided. Calling the microchip company directly bypasses the need to use an online database if you don’t have the number handy.
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Use an Online Lookup Tool
One of the easiest ways to find your pet’s microchip number is by using an online lookup tool. These databases allow you to enter your pet’s information like their name, breed, color, age etc. and will search to see if there is a match. Some popular online lookup tools include:
The AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool lets you search multiple microchip registries at once by entering details like your pet’s name, breed, color, age and more. If there is a match, it will return your pet’s microchip number and which company it is registered with.
PetLink has a database you can search by microchip number or pet details. If your pet is registered in their system, it will provide contact information for the microchip company so you can retrieve your pet’s microchip number.
Most microchip registries like HomeAgain and 24PetWatch have free lookup tools on their websites. You enter your pet’s information and if there is a match, they will provide the microchip number. This works best if you know which company your pet is registered with.
The key is to enter as much identifying information as possible like specialized breed traits, color patterns, age etc. to increase the chances of finding a match. Online tools provide a fast, free way to look up your pet’s microchip number from home.
Bring to a Vet or Shelter
Most veterinary clinics and animal shelters have universal microchip scanners that can detect and read the ID number from almost any microchip brand. The staff can quickly scan your dog using the scanner wand and retrieve the unique microchip number if your pet has been chipped. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), “Most veterinary clinics have microchip scanners, and your veterinarian can scan your new pet for a microchip when you take your pet for its veterinary checkup.”
Bring your dog into any vet clinic or animal shelter and ask them to scan for a microchip. Have them check along your dog’s shoulders/neck area where microchips are usually implanted. The staff should be able to provide the microchip number immediately if detected. This service is often free or low cost. Going to a clinic or shelter to get your pet scanned is typically the fastest and easiest way to find your dog’s microchip number if you do not have it documented already.
Purchase a Microchip Scanner
One way to find your dog’s microchip number at home is to buy a universal microchip scanner. There are handheld scanners designed for pet owners that can detect all major microchip frequencies used in dogs and cats.
According to Microchip Scanners – Pet Travel Store, universal microchip scanners for home use range in price from around $150 to $300. For example, the DATAMARS OmniMax Microchip Scanner costs around $320 but can read microchips from all manufacturers.
Before purchasing a scanner, check the product details to confirm it can detect both 125 kHz and 134.2 kHz microchips. Most universal scanners have this capability. You’ll then be able to scan your dog at home to read and record their unique microchip number.
Check Adoption Papers
When adopting a dog from an animal shelter or rescue organization, the adoption paperwork you received likely contains information about whether the dog was microchipped before adoption as well as the microchip number. Shelters and rescues routinely microchip dogs prior to adoption and include the details in the adoption contract and paperwork.
Be sure to thoroughly check all documents you received when adopting your dog. The microchip number may be listed on the adoption contract, medical records, or other intake forms the organization provides. For example, forms may state “microchip number XXX99999 implanted on MM/DD/YYYY.” The number is usually a 15 digit ISO compliant number unique to that pet.
If you cannot find the chip number in your paperwork, call the shelter or rescue organization directly. Let them know you need your adopted dog’s microchip number. Provide the pet’s name and physical description along with your own contact information. The rescue organization should be able to provide the microchip number from their records.
Adoption papers from responsible rescues and shelters can provide you with your dog’s microchip information without having to locate the chip itself. Be sure to keep your adoption paperwork in a safe place for future reference.
Contact Previous Owner
If you’ve adopted or rehomed a dog from its previous owner, they may have the microchip number on file or know which company the microchip is registered with. When rehoming a pet, previous owners are legally required to transfer the microchip registration to the new owner. However, some owners may neglect to do this or not provide the new owner with the microchip details.
It’s worth contacting the previous owner and politely asking if they have the microchip number or information about which company it’s registered with. Some tips when reaching out:
- Ask in a friendly manner, explaining you want to ensure you have the details to properly register the dog in your name.
- If they don’t have the information on hand, ask them to check adoption paperwork or reach out to the microchip company themselves to retrieve it.
- Have the previous owner initiate the microchip transfer process through the registry if needed. There may be a small fee for this service.
- Get any details in writing from the previous owner for your records.
Providing the previous owner transfers the microchip registration properly, this can ensure you have the correct information moving forward. If they are unresponsive or unwilling to assist, you may need to take additional steps like bringing your dog to a vet to scan for the chip.
Reaching Out on Social Media
One effective way to try to find your dog’s microchip number is by reaching out on social media, especially in local community groups. According to Nichefire, posts with pets have 63% higher engagement rates than average posts. With so many pet owners active online, posting about your lost dog’s microchip in hyperlocal groups on Facebook, Nextdoor, and other platforms can help spread the word.
Be sure to include a clear photo of your dog along with any distinguishing details like color and breed. Ask if anyone recognizes your pet and whether they happen to know the microchip number or vet clinic where it was chipped. Offer to privately message the microchip info if someone doesn’t want to share it publicly. With 30% of pet parents following celebrity pets online according to Mars, there’s a good chance someone in your neighborhood might recognize your furry friend.
While social media should not be the only effort when trying to locate a lost pet’s microchip info, hyperlocal posts can provide another avenue to potentially find the number quickly if your dog went missing close to home.
Getting a New Microchip
If you are still unable to locate your dog’s microchip number after exhausting all other options, you may need to have your dog microchipped again with a new chip. While most dogs are only chipped once in their lifetime, it is possible for microchips to migrate or fail over time. Getting your dog re-chipped with a new microchip and registration can help provide you with an updated, traceable microchip number.
The process for getting a new microchip is the same as the initial microchipping process. You will need to take your dog to a veterinarian, shelter, or microchipping clinic. The cost for getting a new microchip implanted typically ranges from $25-$60 nationwide, with an average cost of around $45-50, according to sources like GoodRx, MarketWatch, and Forbes1,2. The microchip comes pre-loaded in an injector and is implanted under the skin on your dog’s neck or shoulders. Once implanted, the new chip can be registered with your current contact information.
Getting a new microchip when unable to find an existing chip number can give you peace of mind knowing there is an up-to-date form of identification on your dog. Just be sure to also update the microchip registration if your contact details change again in the future.