Pet owners rely on microchips to help reunite them with their beloved companions if they ever go missing. However, a microchip is only as good as the registry behind it. When a pet registry unexpectedly shuts down, pet owners and finders can be left without access to critical information that helps bring lost pets home.
The recent closure of Save This Life, a Texas-based pet microchip company, has left many pet owners scrambling to re-register their pets elsewhere. While we thank Save This Life for its contributions, this situation serves as a reminder of why choosing a robust, established pet registry is essential for your peace of mind.
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What Happened to Save This Life Pet Registry?
For over a decade, Save This Life provided pet microchip registration services to pet owners and veterinarians. However, in early 2025, the company suddenly ceased operations, leaving many uncertainties among pet owners who registered with them.
Without a functioning registry, pets registered with Save This Life are now at risk of being untraceable if they go missing. Shelters and veterinarians who scan a microchip linked to Save This Life will eventually not able to find owner information, making it harder to reunite lost pets with their families.
This closure highlights the importance of choosing a trusted, long-standing registry that pet owners can depend on for years to come.
Do Pet Owners Need a Second Microchip?
No, if your pet was microchipped through Save This Life, the physical microchip itself is still functional—only the registration database has shut down. There is no need to implant a second microchip.
However, it is critical to re-register your pet’s microchip with a trusted database to ensure their information is accessible if they are lost.
- Verify that your pet’s microchip is still scannable – Ask your veterinarian to check the microchip during your pet’s next visit.
- Re-register the microchip with BC Pet Registry – A microchip is only useful if it’s linked to your current contact information.
Why The BC Pet Registry Is The Right Choice
Microchipping is one of the best ways to protect a pet, but a microchip alone is not enough—it must be registered with a secure and reliable database.Started in 2015, the BC Pet Registry is celebrating their 10th anniversary this year. There are over 230,000 animals registered in the database, making it the number one choice for pet owners in Canada.
- A pet registry should be built to last – Pet owners need assurance that their pet’s information will always be accessible. At BC Pet Registry, we work continuously around the clock to improve, update and maintain the registry.
- A pet registry should be widely recognized – If a microchip is registered with an unreliable database, it may not be easily traced when scanned by shelters or veterinarians. At The BC Pet Registry, we are an authorized partner with the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) for microchip lookup , which is required for most international pet travel, This service ensures pets can be identified and reunited with their owners across borders if they ever get lost.
- A pet registry should be easy to update – Pet owners should be able to update their contact information at any time to ensure it is always accurate. The BC Pet Registry makes it easy to update your pet’s information. Simply login to your account and update your pet’s profile in just minutes.
With the closure of Save This Life, many pet owners are now looking for a registry they can trust—one that offers security, longevity, and accessibility.
BC Pet Registry: The Trusted Solution for Canadian Pet Owners
BC Pet Registry is a nationwide, non-profit registry operated by the BC SPCA. With over 100 years of trusted service, it provides pet owners with the confidence that their pet’s microchip will always remain traceable.
What makes BC Pet Registry stand out?
- A Secure and Permanent Database: Unlike private companies that may close unexpectedly, BC Pet Registry is backed by the BC SPCA, ensuring long-term stability.
- National and International Recognition: BC Pet Registry partners with humane societies, veterinarians, and shelters across Canada and is linked to the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool, making microchips traceable worldwide.
- Easy and Accessible Updates: Pet owners can update their contact details 24/7, ensuring information is always current.
- Proudly Canadian: The BC Pet Registry is a Canadian-owned and operated registry.
Real-Life Reunions: How BC Pet Registry Makes a Difference
A trusted pet registry can mean the difference between a pet staying lost and a pet finding their way home. Here are just a few stories of lost pets reunited through BC Pet Registry:
- Cleo’s Incredible Journey: After being lost for months, Cleo was found and safely returned home.
Read Cleo’s story. - Norman’s Miraculous Homecoming: Despite a storm in Kelowna, Norman was quickly reunited with his owner thanks to BC Pet Registry.
Read Norman’s story. - A Cat Found 150 Kilometers from Home: A missing cat was located far from home, proving the importance of registering with a registry.
Read the full story.
What Pet Owners Should Do Next
If your pet was registered with Save This Life, it’s crucial to act now. Follow these steps to ensure your pet’s microchip is registered with a trusted, long-term registry:
- Register with BC Pet Registry – If your pet was registered with Save This Life, go to the BC Pet Registry website to start the registration process. Update Your Contact Information – If you move or change phone numbers, update your pet’s microchip details immediately to ensure a quick reunion if they go missing.
- Be mindful when switching to another registry, as many registries operating in Canada are actually owned by US-based companies. The BC Pet Registry is genuinely Canadian-owned and operated.
Microchipping is Just the First Step
While microchipping is essential, ensuring that the microchip is registered with a trusted database is just as important.
BC Pet Registry also allows pet owners to register other forms of ID, including:
- Tattoos
- City licenses
- Other permanent pet identifiers
Since launching, BC Pet Registry has helped over 230,000 pets stay connected to their families.
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
The closure of Save This Life is a reminder that choosing a reliable, long-term pet registry is crucial. BC Pet Registry is committed to keeping pets safe and ensuring that pet owners never have to worry about losing access to their pet’s identification records.
FAQ
Q: What happens if my pet’s microchip is registered with a closed registry?
If your pet was registered with Save This Life, it is important to re-register their microchip with a trusted database like BC Pet Registry.
Q: How do I check if my pet’s microchip is registered?
You can use the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool to see if your pet’s microchip is linked to an active registry.
Q: How much does it cost to register a microchip?
A one-time fee of $45 provides lifetime protection for your pet through BC Pet Registry.
Q: Can I update my contact information with the BC Pet Registry?
Yes, pet owners can update their details anytime to ensure their pet’s information is always accurate.
Q: What should I do if my pet goes missing?
- Update your pet’s status in BC Pet Registry so that anyone who scans their microchip knows they are lost.
- Contact local shelters and SPCAs to check if your pet has been found.
- Post on social media and community groups to spread the word.
A registered microchip greatly increases the chances of a successful reunion. Register today!
