On July 12, 2025, the BC Pet Registry joined Friendly Paws Society at Sunset Beach in Vancouver for PawsFest. Over 100 families engaged with our team, and we scanned more than 100 pets. While 86 had microchips, 21 were not registered—meaning a potential reunion would be nearly impossible if they got lost. Read why this matters and how to protect your pet today.
PawsFest 2025: Microchip Awareness Takes Center Stage at Sunset Beach
On July 12, 2025, PawsFest at Sunset Beach brought together pet lovers from across Vancouver, and the BC Pet Registry was proud to be there. Our booth welcomed over 100 families who stopped by to chat, learn, and scan their pets for microchips. As a community-focused team, we were thrilled to see so many engaged pet owners who care deeply about their furry companions.
We scanned over 100 dogs and cats, and while 86 pets had a microchip implanted, 21 of them weren’t registered in any North American registry. That means nearly 1 in 4 pets scanned had no working protection, despite having a chip. If those pets were ever lost, shelters and vet clinics wouldn’t be able to reach their families.
What Does an Unregistered Microchip Mean?
A common phrase we heard from pet owners was, “The microchip info is with my vet.” While that may be true, a microchip is not automatically registered with a pet registry. Vets are not search tools. If your pet ends up at a shelter, the finder has no way of knowing which clinic implanted the chip or how to contact them.
An unregistered chip is simply a string of numbers—useless without contact details. Take Georgia, for example. This beloved cat was found wandering in downtown Vancouver in June 2025 with a microchip… but no registration. The chip was linked to a vet clinic, but no guardian contact info could be found. Read Georgia’s story to understand why every owner should confirm their registration status.
Be Part of the 80% Who Get It Right
PawsFest helped us continue a vital conversation: 20–25% of pets scanned at events have unregistered microchips. Events like this allow us to find and fix these gaps. We urge all Vancouver pet guardians to be part of the 80% who get it right—register your pet’s microchip and keep the information up to date.
With just your microchip number or tattoo code, you can register your pet online with us in minutes. For a small, one-time fee of $45, your pet is protected for life—and you’re supporting BC SPCA’s life-saving programs.
Volunteers Who Made It Happen
We couldn’t have had such an impactful day without our amazing volunteer team. A huge thank you to Tricia, Emily, Jodie, Trevor, Ka Sin, Raymond, Christina, Francoise, Jackie, and Penelope. Your energy, passion, and dedication to pet protection helped educate over 100 families and made this event a success.
Real Stories, Real Reunions
Curious how registration makes a difference? Read these heartwarming pet reunion stories made possible by registered microchips:
Check Your Pet’s Microchip Registration Today
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Log in to your pet’s registry or scan your pet at your next vet visit. Confirm that the microchip is registered and all contact details are correct.
Check your pet’s microchip registration status now and get it registered. It only takes minutes—but it can save you years of heartbreak.
5 FAQs
Why is microchip registration important if my vet has the number?
Because shelters and finders won’t know to contact your vet. A microchip is just a string of numbers unless it’s linked to a registry. Only a registry connects that number to your contact information.
What happens if a microchip isn’t registered?
It becomes a dead end. No one can reach you if your pet is found.
How much does it cost to register a microchip?
Just $45—one-time payment for lifetime coverage with the BC Pet Registry.
Does it cost extra to update information on the registry?
Unlike other registries, there is no extra cost to make updates to your contact information or your pet’s details, including medical records as well as transfer of ownership.
Can I register a tattoo instead of a microchip?
Yes! You can register a tattoo code or microchip. If your pet has a tattoo code, it is important to read this blog here.
How do I check if my pet’s microchip is registered?
Visit your registry website and log in to confirm that your details are accurate. Feel free to email us at info@bcpetregistry.ca and we can help as well.
