In recent years, many Canadians have started making major moves. Some families are relocating for more affordable housing, others are responding to extreme weather events, and many are chasing new remote job opportunities in smaller communities. With more people moving between provinces, it’s easy to forget that pets need a relocation plan too.
Unlike us, pets don’t understand what’s happening when the furniture disappears or when they suddenly find themselves in a car for hours. These transitions can be confusing and stressful. And unfortunately, moving is one of the top times when pets go missing.
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, having your pet microchipped and registered with current information is one of the most important things you can do to keep them safe.
Table of Contents
Why Pets Get Lost More Often During Moves
Moving can throw everything off balance. Your pet might escape while boxes are being loaded, slip out of a car during a stop, or bolt from a new home before they’ve had a chance to settle in.
Here are some common risks during moves:
- Open doors and chaos during packing
- Increased anxiety from travel and unfamiliar surroundings
- Lack of scent markers in a new environment
- No return instinct if they escape in a new neighborhood
Even indoor pets who rarely show signs of anxiety can become disoriented and panic. That’s why it’s crucial to secure them properly, plan ahead, and ensure their identification is up to date.
How Microchipping Helps During a Move
A microchip is one of the most reliable tools for pet safety, especially during a major transition. Collars and tags can fall off, but a microchip stays with your pet for life.
Here’s why registration matters more than ever when moving:
- You may not have time to print new ID tags immediately
- If your pet escapes in a new city, neighbours won’t recognize them and City Hall may not have a record of them if you haven’t obtained a municipal licence.
- A shelter in a different province won’t know who to contact without microchip access
- If your contact details are out of date, reunification becomes difficult
BC Pet Registry makes it easy to log in and update your address, phone number, and emergency contact info. You can even do it from your phone during the move.
Planning Tips for a Safe Pet Move
Here’s a simple checklist to help your pet stay calm, secure, and accounted for during your move:
- Check microchip status before your move. Is it registered with the correct contact information?
- Prepare a travel kit for your pet. Include food, water, favorite toys, bedding, and any medications.
- Keep them in a secure carrier or use a pet-appropriate seatbelt. Never allow a loose pet in a moving vehicle.
- Alert your vet. Ask for records and advice for traveling with pets.
- Avoid letting them roam in a new yard immediately. Keep them on a leash or supervised until they’re comfortable.
- Update any new ID tags with your new address.
- Get a municipal licence and ID tag from City Hall. To increase the chances of being reunited with your pet.
Bonus tip: Let your pet explore small parts of the new home slowly. A quiet room with familiar items is a good place to start.
Real Story: Hobbes’ Incredible Journey Home from 150 Kilometers Away
Hobbes, a curious cat from Northern BC, went missing during a family camping trip. While exploring the area near the site, Hobbes wandered too far and couldn’t find his way back. The family was devastated, especially knowing they were hours from home and couldn’t stay behind to search.
Weeks passed without any sign of him, until a shelter in Nanaimo scanned a stray cat’s microchip. Thanks to his registered microchip with BC Pet Registry, Hobbes was identified immediately. Even though he had traveled over 150 kilometers, the registry made it possible to contact his family and reunite them.
His story shows how vital it is to have your pet microchipped and registered, especially when traveling or visiting new places.
Moving Across Provinces? BC Pet Registry Still Has You Covered
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 and your pet can travel with confidence!
With one of the most robust and accessible databases in the country, BC Pet Registry gives you peace of mind during stressful transitions.
Need to update your details? It only takes a few minutes.
Be a Part of the 80% Responsible Owners
During our recent events, we scanned hundreds of pets, all with microchips implanted. Only to discover that approximately 20% of the pets’ microchips are not linked to any registries in North America. We recommend all pet owners to double check their pet’s registration and directly registering 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 a lifetime and you will also have contributed to the life-saving work of the BC SPCA.
Conclusion: A Fresh Start Begins with Protection
Moving is a fresh start. But it’s also full of unknowns. By registering and updating your pet’s microchip, you’re taking one of the most important steps toward protecting them in new surroundings.
You can’t control every variable during a move, but you can make sure your pet has the best chance to be found if they get lost.
Don’t wait until after you’ve settled. Update your registration today and give your pet the security they deserve, no matter where life takes you.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to re-register my pet if I move to a new province?
No. You only need to update your contact details in your BC Pet Registry account.
Q: What if my pet goes missing during a long-distance move?
Notify shelters along your route. If your pet is microchipped and registered, they’ll be able to contact you quickly.
Q: Can I register more than one pet under the same account?
Yes, BC Pet Registry lets you manage multiple pets from one online profile.
Q: Should I get a new ID tag with my new address?
Absolutely. ID tags are still helpful, especially if your pet is found by a neighbor. However, pets are often found without their tags, as they can fall off during their adventures. That’s why we always recommend having both an external ID and a permanent form of identification, such as a microchip or tattoo.
Q: Can I add a backup contact in case I’m unreachable?
Yes. You can list a co-owner and an emergency contact in your registration for added security.
Q: Is there a cost to update my information?
Unlike other registries, the BC Pet Registry does not charge for any updates, including your pet’s medical records as well as changes of ownership. The one time registration fee of $45 covers all future updates and changes.
