Good news, bad news of microchipped pets.

Good news is, your pet is microchipped. Bad news is, your pet may not be registered.

BC Pet Registry team is on a roll..!

In 3 recent events, including the Pride Pawrty in Richmond and the Day of the Dog celebrations in Victoria and Yaletown, the BC Pet Registry team was on a mission to promote responsible pet ownership. Part of this mission involved scanning over 330 microchipped dogs that stopped by our booth. What we uncovered during these scans was nothing short of shocking.

Summer Events Led to Surprising Microchip Findings

Out of the 330 microchipped dogs and cats we scanned, more than 20% of them were not registered in any common database in North America. This revelation poses a significant problem for pet owners, veterinarians, and shelters alike.

Why is this a concern? When a lost pet is found and brought to a shelter or a veterinarian’s office, the microchip is the primary tool used to contact the owner. However, if the microchip is not registered or the contact information is outdated or inputted incorrectly, the microchip’s purpose becomes obsolete. This unfortunate situation can lead to the prolonged separation of pets from their loving families.

The Importance of Microchip Registration

Now more than ever, it’s crucial to ensure that your pet’s microchip registration is current and accurate. Here are some steps you can take to guarantee your pet’s safety:

Check Your Pet’s Microchip: Schedule a visit to your local animal shelter or ask your vet during your annual vet visit to confirm that your pet’s microchip is easily scannable.
Verify Contact Information: Login to your pet registry account at least once to ensure your contact information is present and is up-to-date. This includes making sure your your phone number, email address, and home address are accurate.
Register with the BC Pet Registry: All microchips registered with the BC Pet Registry are traceable internationally via the American Animal Hospital Association’s (AAHA) universal pet microchip lookup. This partnership means that you can travel with your pet with confidence that you’re protected! BC SPCA has over 40+ locations – if you live locally, chances are, wandering pets will be brought to us, and we can find you much faster.
Spread the Word: Encourage fellow pet owners to verify their pet’s microchip registration and update it as needed. The more pets are properly registered, the higher the chances of lost pet reunions.

Don’t let your pet be a part of the 25% unregistered statistics

If you are unsure of your pet’s registration status and you would also like to support the BC SPCA, it doesn’t hurt to directly register with us. All you need is the microchip number and/or tattoo code to start the online registration process. For a small, one-time fee of $45, your pet will be protected for lifetime and you will be supporting the life-saving work of the BC SPCA.

Conclusion

In our recent events, the BC Pet Registry team shed light on a concerning issue within the pet owner community – many microchipped pets are not registered in common databases. To avoid the heartbreak of a lost pet without a traceable microchip, pet owners should make it a priority to ensure your pet’s microchip is registered and is up-to-date. By taking these steps, you’re not only protecting your furry friend but also increasing the likelihood of a lost pet reunion should the unthinkable happen. Don’t wait; be a responsible pet owner and act now to secure your pet’s safe return home.

Pride Pawrty at Bodega Pets Richmond