In the world of pet ownership, ensuring the safety and security of our furry friends is a must! At the BC Pet Registry, we’re dedicated to this mission, and our recent event offered eye-opening insights into the world of pet microchipping. With a turnout that warmed our hearts and findings that sparked important conversations, let’s dive into the results from our collaborative event held in partnership with Bosley’s Pet Supplies, that highlights the important role of pet microchips.
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Snapshot of the Event with Bosley’s
Our booth became a hub of activity, welcoming over 50 pet owners and scanning a total of 34 pets. The results were telling, over 20% of them weren’t linked to any registries partnered with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and a few were not properly linked.: That is 1 in 5 animals not protected.This statistic highlights areas where we can improve and further supports our findings from last summer that there are pets out there with a microchip but are not protected. Read more about the hundreds of animals we scanned in the summer of 2023 in this article: Good news, bad news of pet microchips – BC Pet Registry
The Importance of Proper Pet Microchip Registration
The reasons behind unlinked microchips were as diverse as the pets themselves. The primary cause? Families moving to Canada from abroad, bringing their beloved pets from overseas. This transition often left microchips unregistered in local systems, creating a gap in the safety net that microchipping is supposed to provide.
A secondary reason was the common misconception among pet owners that vets or breeders would handle the entire registration process. While many veterinary professionals do assist with this crucial step, the responsibility still falls on the pet owner to check and make sure the information is registered correctly and up-to-date. This misunderstanding shows the importance of pet owners actively ensuring their pet’s microchip is registered and the information is up-to-date.
Overcoming Challenges As a Community
The event also shed light on challenges pet owners face in microchipping:
- Several owners were unsure which pet registry their companion was linked to, if at all.
- Immigrants to Canada discovered the need to register their pets with a local registry partnered with AAHA to facilitate quicker reunions in case their pets got lost.
These challenges are not hard to overcome. They’re calls to action for pet owners to engage more deeply with the microchipping and registration process. To see the real-life impact of keeping microchip details current, explore our success stories, where timely updates made all the difference in reuniting pets with their families.
Read about Cleo’s incredible journey and Norman’s miraculous homecoming to understand how updated microchip information can bring a lost pet back home.
The Role of BC Pet Registry and Our Partners
To support pet owners and spread awareness about these facts, the BC Pet Registry, in collaboration with Bosleys, was provided with the space to educate the public and distributed a variety of informative materials and goodies at the event.
These efforts, sponsored by BC Pet Registry, are just the beginning. They represent our commitment to not only help reuniting lost pets with their owners but also to educate the public on the critical steps required to make microchipping as effective as possible.
The Takeaway
The findings from our event are more than just numbers; they’re a a true representation of the love we have for our pets and the lengths we’ll go to protect them. Microchipping your pet is a crucial first step, but ensuring that the microchip is registered and linked to a registry like the BC Pet Registry is what truly matters.
For pet owners who’ve moved to Canada with their furry family members, or for anyone who’s unsure about their pet’s microchip status, we encourage you to take action today. Visit BC Pet Registry to register or update your pet’s microchip information. It’s a simple step that can make all the difference for a lost pet’s journey back to its owner.
In the end, the cost of a microchip and registration is minimal compared to the peace of mind it brings – which is priceless. Let’s work together to ensure every pet has the best chance of a safe return, should they ever wander too far from home.
Be a Part of the 80% Responsible Owners
If you are unsure of your pet’s registration status and you would also like to support the BC SPCA and its community, there is no harm in 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 have contributed to supporting the life-saving work of the BC SPCA.
Don’t let your pet be a part of the 20% 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why is it important to microchip my pet?
Microchipping provides a permanent, secure form of identification that can’t be lost or removed like a collar or tag. It significantly increases the chances of your pet being reunited if they get lost, as seen in the success stories shared during our recent event.
Q: How much does it cost to microchip a pet?
The cost to microchip a pet can vary, typically ranging from $60-$120, depending on the veterinary clinic and location. Remember, this one-time cost is an investment in your pet’s safety and your peace of mind. You can also ask your local BC SPCA animal centres regarding microchip clinics.
Q: What should I do if my pet’s microchip is not registered?
If you discover your pet’s microchip is not registered, visit the BC Pet Registry website at https://www.bcpetregistry.ca/ to register the chip. A one-time $45 activation fee grants lifetime access to their services, ensuring your pet can always be traced back to you.
Q: How can I check if my pet’s microchip information is up to date?
Log in to your account on the BC Pet Registry’s website to review and update your pet’s microchip information. It’s important to ensure all contact details are current, especially after moving or changing phone numbers.
Q: Can a pet have more than one microchip?
Yes, it’s possible for a pet to have more than one microchip, although it’s uncommon. If you’re unsure, a vet can scan your pet to check for microchips. When you register your pet with us, you can enter a secondary microchip number to your pet’s profile at no additional cost. When updating your personal information in BC Pet Registry, both chips will then be linked to your contact information.
