Essential Microchip and Registration Tips for Pet Sitting
Losing a pet is a heart-wrenching experience for both pet owners and sitters, leading to feelings of helplessness and anxiety. Whether you’re leaving your pet in the care of a sitter or taking on the responsibility yourself, preparation is crucial. Proper microchip and registration practices are vital in emergencies, ensuring pets are quickly and safely reunited with their owners. This guide covers key microchip and registration tips to protect pets and provide peace of mind for everyone involved.
For Pet Sitters: Essential Microchip and Registration Tips
1. Know the Microchip Number and Registry
2. Confirm Microchip Registration
Check with the pet owner to ensure that the microchip is registered in a reliable database. This verification is key to ensuring that the microchip is linked to accurate and current contact information.
3. Match the Scanned Microchip
If possible, verify that the microchip number you scan matches the number provided by the owner. This step helps avoid discrepancies and ensures that the pet’s identification details are correct and reliable.
4. Check Ear Tattoos
For pets with ear tattoos, confirm that the tattoo ID is clear and legible. Note that the tattoo code is linked only to the clinic where the pet received its tattoo. Therefore, pet sitters should be aware of the clinic’s name. In the event the pet goes missing, having this information allows the sitter to notify the clinic and potentially assist in locating the pet.
5. Have Emergency Contacts and Social Media Groups Ready
In case of an emergency, it’s helpful to have pictures of the pet handy, including any unique features, and a clear photo of the ear tattoo if applicable. Familiarize yourself with local lost-and-found pet social media groups so that you’re prepared to quickly make a posting if the pet goes missing. Being proactive with these details can make all the difference in a stressful situation. For more resources on what to do if a pet goes missing, visit BC SPCA’s Lost and Found Animal Help topics.
For Pet Owners: What to Check Before Leaving Your Pet with a Sitter
1. Ensure the Microchip is Easily Scannable
Before you leave, have your pet’s microchip scanned at your vet’s office or a local rescue to make sure it’s easily readable. A functional microchip ensures that your pet can be identified and returned to you quickly if lost.
2. Verify Registration and Update Information
Double-check that your pet’s microchip is registered with the correct information. An up-to-date registration ensures that anyone who finds your pet can contact you promptly. If you haven’t already, login at least once to ensure your information is accurate.
3. Leave Emergency Contact Information
If your pet is registered with the BC Pet Registry, you can update the emergency contact information as many times as you need, at no additional charge. Consider adding your pet sitter’s information or a local friend’s contact details so they can assist your pet if needed while you are away. This ensures that someone can be reached if necessary and helps manage any issues that may arise with your pet. For more tips on preparing your pet for travel, check out this guide from the BC SPCA.
4. Verify Ear Tattoo Details
For pets with ear tattoos, ensure that the tattoo is legible. Note that the tattoo code is linked only to the clinic where the pet received its tattoo. It is important that the vet has your most updated information as well as have an emergency contact added to your file. Consider adding your pet sitter’s contact details to the registry to provide an additional layer of security. Login to your BC Pet Registry account to add or review the emergency contact information.
5. Ask Key Questions When Choosing a Pet Sitter
Selecting the right pet sitter is crucial. Ensure they are familiar with emergency procedures and know what to do if your pet goes missing. For essential questions to ask when choosing a pet sitter, check out this resource from the BC SPCA.
6. Have an Unregistered Microchip? Register Your Pet with the BC Pet Registry
If your pet’s microchip isn’t registered yet, it’s time to take that important step. The BC Pet Registry offers a comprehensive, secure, and internationally traceable microchip registration service dedicated to help reunite lost pets with their owners quickly and efficiently. All you need is your pet’s microchip number to get started on the registration process here.
As the only non-profit registry in Canada committed to achieving social change, we’ve donated over 6,000 microchips to local rescue organizations and subsidized over 10,000 animals for the BC SPCA spay/neuter program. By supporting the BC Pet Registry, you’re not only safeguarding your pet but also contributing to animal welfare within your community. Read more of our community outreach work here.
Final Thoughts
Proper microchip and registration practices are essential for the safety of pets, especially when they are in the care of a pet sitter. By following these guidelines, both pet sitters and owners can ensure that pets are well-protected and that any issues can be resolved swiftly.
For more information on how microchipping and registration works, visit BC Pet Registry’s How it Works page here.
Call to Action:
- Pet Owners: Ensure your pet’s microchip and registration are up-to-date before you travel. Contact us for assistance with updating your pet’s information.
- Pet Sitters: Confirm all microchip and registration details before starting your pet sitting duties.
Pet-Sitter’s FAQs
Q: My client’s pet doesn’t have a microchip or a tattoo code, what should I do?
Please encourage them to discuss with their vet to see if a microchip or a tattoo is necessary.
Q: My client does not know if their pet has a microchip or not, what should I do?
Please have your client arrange a time to have their pet scanned at a local SPCA or at their vet clinic.
Q: My client’s pet has a microchip, but they don’t know which registry the information is stored at, where can they get help?
Please ask your client to send us an email (info@bcpetregistry.ca) with the microchip number so we can look into the registration status of the microchip.
Pet Owner’s FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of microchipping my pet?
Microchipping provides a permanent form of identification that significantly increases the chances of reuniting lost pets with their owners. It is a reliable and secure way to ensure your pet can be identified and returned to you.
Q: How does the BC Pet Registry ensure the safety of my pet’s information?
The BC Pet Registry uses a secure, centralized database that is accessible by authorized veterinarians and shelters, ensuring your pet’s information is safe and traceable.
Q: Is microchipping painful for my pet?
Microchipping is a quick and virtually painless procedure, comparable to a routine vaccination.
Q: What should I do if my pet is lost?
Immediately update your pet’s microchip information with the BC Pet Registry and contact local shelters and veterinary clinics. Please click here for other resources from the BC SPCA about lost & found animals.
Q: How can I participate in future microchipping clinics?
Keep an eye on the BC Pet Registry website and social media channels for announcements about upcoming clinics.
Q: Why choose the BC Pet Registry?
The BC Pet Registry offers a comprehensive, secure, and internationally traceable microchip registration service, dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their owners quickly and efficiently. The BC Pet Registry is the only non-profit registry in Canada that is determined to achieve social change. Over 6,000 microchips were donated to local rescue organizations and over 10,000 animals were used to subsidize the BC SPCA spay/neuter program. By supporting the BC Pet Registry, you are also supporting animal welfare in your own community.
