Why microchipping and registering your pet is so important

The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies strongly recommends using at least some form of identification for your beloved pet, be it tags, tattoos, registration or microchipping. Microchipping and registration are arguably two of the most effective forms of safe-guarding your pet going missing. You can read more about these methods below.

Although you might not want to think about it: pets do go missing. In fact about a million cats and dogs are reported missing in Canada each year. And plenty of other pets go AWOL too. Thankfully, microchipping and registration ensures that many are ultimately reunited with their owners. Are you planning on boarding your pet or do you have a pet sitter take care of your cat or dog? Then it's even more important that your pet is microchipped. Indeed, animals are unpredictable, especially when their situation changes: if they have a new pet sitter or are temporarily staying at another home, then there's an increased risk they may run off. So, whilst it's good to be extra vigilant, and ensure that your dog is always on a lead for example, microchip registration is an absolute must.

If your pet benefits from a microchip, then it can be read using special microchip readers. Most veterinarians, animal shelters and rescue centres possess such a reader. The reader will reveal the chip's registration number, with the help of which one can look up the owner's name, address and phone number - provided that the chip is correctly registered. This way, the missing animal can be returned to its owner.

Proper registration

It's therefore essential that your pet's microchip data remains current: that the correct contact details are listed and not, for example, a previous address or former owner. Always ensure that your pet is not only microchipped, but that he or she is correctly registered with your local municipality and their information is up-to-date. You can find their microchip number in the certificate from the pet microchip database, their pet passport (if you have one), your pet insurance documentation, or your pet's veterinary records. These days you can usually update your details on the microchip online.

Has your pet gone missing? Or have you perhaps found a suspected missing pet? Fortunately a vet can easily determine whether the animal is microchipped and the owner is often tracked down extremely quickly. You can also report a lost or found pet on the national database PetLynx or a number of local pounds and shelters. Thanks to these organisations, many pets and owners have been reunited.

Has your pet been microchipped? And is the registration still in order? Check today, without delay!