Microchip Scanning at Stanley Park, Vancouver
The BC Pet Registry team was thrilled to participate in the 11th celebration of RunGo’s annual Dash for Dogs fundraiser at Stanley Park’s Brockton Pavilion on February 23, 2025. This local event invited Vancouverites to complete a 2k, 5k, or 10k run or walk, and enjoy pancakes, prizes, puppies, good tunes, blindfolded walks with guide dogs, and more. Hosted by RunGo, the event raised over $23,000 for BC & Alberta Guide Dogs, supporting the graduation of 38 new Guide and Service Dog Teams in 2024, with hopes to match or exceed this success in 2025. We were honored to join this initiative by offering free microchip scanning and educating pet owners about permanent IDs.
Why Microchip Scanning Matters
Throughout the event, we scanned over 30 dogs and found that 4 pets had unregistered microchips, while 23 had their microchips properly registered. Microchipping is only effective when the chip is linked to current contact information. An unregistered microchip cannot help reunite lost pets with their families. Learn about How Pet Microchips Work here.
Key Takeaways from the Event
While interacting with pet owners, we identified three major concerns regarding permanent IDs:
- Unscannable Microchips: A few pets had microchips that were difficult to detect. This highlights the importance of having your vet scan your pet’s microchip at regular checkups to ensure it is still functional.
- Re-Registering Overseas Microchips: Two dogs had microchips registered in another country. Now that they are permanently in Canada, their microchips need local registration to ensure quick identification if lost.
- Tattoo Code Awareness: Many pet owners were unaware that tattoo codes are only traceable to the original veterinary clinic. If the clinic’s records are outdated or lost, tracking the owner becomes difficult. We encourage owners to also register their pet’s tattoo with the BC Pet Registry, making the ID searchable online. Learn more about tattoo registration here.
The Importance of Permanent Identification
Microchips and tattoos play a crucial role in reuniting lost pets with their families. However, one unregistered microchip is one too many. By keeping microchip details updated, owners ensure that lost pets can be identified and returned home quickly. Read about our other scanning events to learn more.
Take Action Today
- Ask your vet to scan your pet’s microchip at your next visit to confirm it is still scannable.
- Log in to your pet registry account to verify that all contact details are correct.
- Consider adding your pet’s tattoo to the BC Pet Registry for extra security.
Thank you to RunGo Dash for Dogs for an incredible event and to BC & Alberta Guide Dogs for their incredible work. Let’s continue spreading awareness and helping more pets find their way home!
FAQ
Q: Why choose the BC Pet Registry?
A: The BC Pet Registry offers a comprehensive, secure, and internationally traceable microchip registration service, dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their owners quickly and efficiently. The BC Pet Registry is the only non-profit registry in Canada that is determined to achieve social change. Over 6,000 microchips were donated to local rescue organizations and over 10,000 microchips were used to subsidize the BC SPCA spay/neuter program. By supporting the BC Pet Registry, you are also supporting animal welfare in your own community. Learn more about our community work here.
Q: How much does it cost to register my pet’s microchip with BC Pet Registry?
A: Only a one-time fee of $45, protects the pet for lifetime.
Q: Can I update my contact information after registration?
A: Yes, updating your details is quick and easy. Log in to your BC Pet Registry account anytime to make changes.
Q: Do I need to re-register my pet’s microchip every year?
A: No, once registered, your pet’s microchip stays in the database. However, it’s important to review and update your contact information regularly.
Q: What if my pet already has a microchip but isn’t registered?
A: You can register their microchip with BC Pet Registry by providing the microchip number and your contact details. This ensures your pet is linked to you.
Q: Is BC Pet Registry recognized outside of Canada?
A: Yes, BC Pet Registry’s ISO-compliant microchips are internationally traceable through American Animal Hospital Association’s microchip registry lookup tool , making them ideal for travel and reunification anywhere in the world.
