When asked if their pet’s microchip is registered, many pet owners said, ‘I don’t know, it’s with my Vet’. Many BC pet owners assume their pet’s microchip registration is linked directly to their vet. The truth is, microchips don’t trace to clinics—they trace to registries. If your microchip isn’t registered or your contact details are outdated, a lost pet may never find their way back home.
A Dangerous Assumption: “It’s with My Vet.”
We hear it often: “My pet’s microchip information is with my vet.” Unfortunately, this belief leaves many pets unprotected. A microchip does not store personal information—it only carries a unique ID number. When a lost pet is scanned, that number connects to a pet registry database, not the veterinarian who implanted it.
While your vet may implant the microchip and sometimes assist with registration, each clinic has its own process, which may or may not include this step. At the end of the day, it is a shared responsibility between the vet and the pet owner to communicate and ensure accuracy of the data being entered. If your pet’s chip is never registered, or if your contact details are outdated, shelters and clinics will not be able to reach you in an emergency.
⚠️ Common Myth Alert
“My vet has the info.”
“I thought it was automatic.”
“They scanned the chip, so we’re good, right?”
Wrong! These beliefs are dangerous. A microchip is only useful when it is connected to an active registry account with correct contact details. Having the chip implanted is only step one. Registration is what makes it traceable.
Your Vet Is Not the Registry
A pet’s microchip isn’t connected to the vet—it can only be traced through the pet registry, which should have your current contact information.
Let’s be clear: Microchips connect to registries, not vet clinics.
What Really Happens When a Pet Is Found
- A vet or shelter scans the pet for a microchip.
- The chip number is checked against a registry.
- If registered with current info, the guardian is contacted.
But if the chip is unregistered, or the details are wrong?
No one is coming. Your pet waits. Alone.
Even one incorrect digit in your phone number can mean silence when your pet needs you most.
💔 We Meet These Guardians Every Day
At BC Pet Registry community events, we meet countless loving pet guardians who genuinely believe their pets are protected—because their vet implanted a chip. But when we look it up?
Nothing. Unregistered. Outdated. Incomplete.
And worst of all: they had no idea.
How Microchip Registration Works
Here’s what happens behind the scenes:
- A vet implants a microchip under your pet’s skin.
- Either the veterinary staff or the pet owner must register it with a pet registry.
- The registry securely links your pet’s microchip number to your contact information.
When a pet goes missing, vets and shelters scan the chip, check the registry, and contact the listed guardian. If the 2nd step is missed, there would be no registration, the chain is broken.
🔍 How to Check and Register
Already have a microchip? Do this now:
- Login to your registry account.
- Confirm your phone number, email, and address are correct.
- If your vet registered the chip for you, double-check. Mistakes happen.
Not registered yet? Register today with BC Pet Registry—it takes just a few minutes.
🛡️ Why BC Pet Registry Is Different
Unlike many other registries that charge extra for “premium packages” or even just to update the colour of your pet, BC Pet Registry keeps things simple and transparent. Your registration includes everything you need to protect your pet—no hidden fees.
Lifetime registration
- No upsells or hidden charges
- One simple fee
- Supports BC SPCA animal welfare work
- Canada’s only non-profit pet registry determined to achieve social change
If you have adopted from the BC SPCA since 2018, your pet was automatically registered. Log in and confirm your info. Further instructions can be found here to gain access to your account.
If you adopted from another rescue and your microchip number begins with 933, it may be one of the 8,000 chips donated by BC Pet Registry. Encourage your rescue group to check out our program—transfer of ownership is included with no charge - we ensure guardians are not charged unnecessary fees.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Microchips save lives—but only when registered. Don’t let your pet become another heartbreaking story of a lost animal who couldn’t be reunited, all because of a dangerous assumption.
Protect your pet today. Because love deserves a way home.
Getting a microchip is only the first step. Registration makes the microchip traceable and ensures your pet can be returned quickly if lost.
Already have a microchip? Login today to double-check your details. Not registered yet? Register with BC Pet Registry and give your pet the best chance of coming home.
💡 Did You Know?
BC Pet Registry is all-inclusive! You won’t be charged extra for “premium packages” or even just to update your pet’s colour. Your registration includes everything needed to protect your pet, with no hidden fees. Even if you need to rehome your pet, transfer of ownership is also included with no extra charge.
FAQs
1. Does my vet automatically register my pet’s microchip?
Not always. Some clinics do, while others leave it to the guardian. It’s best to confirm by logging into the registry.
2. Can a shelter contact my vet if my pet is lost?
No. Microchips connect to registries, not veterinary offices. Vets, shelters, and rescues rely on registry information to reach guardians. If you have an account with us, you can also add your vet’s information, pet’s medical and behavioral information, photos, emergency contact and more.
3. How do I know if my microchip is registered?
Ask your vet or local BC SPCA to scan your pet. Then, log in to ensure the number is linked to your account.
4. What happens if my phone number changes?
Update your registry account immediately. Outdated details can make it impossible to reunite you with your pet.
5. Why should I choose BC Pet Registry?
We are a non-profit, all-inclusive registry determined to achieve social change. As a non-profit program under the BC SPCA, all registrations include a lifetime membership to protect your pet, with no hidden fees or upsells, while supporting animal welfare programs.
6. Can I request BC Pet Registry microchips at my clinic?
Yes. Ask your vet directly. Many clinics are not aware that BC Pet Registry offers secure, affordable microchips with lifetime registration. If your vet uses microchips from the BC Pet Registry, they have done the homework for you and you should be proud of your vet!
