Microchipping is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your pet throughout their life. Whether you’re bringing home a playful kitten, raising a curious puppy, or caring for a senior pet, microchipping ensures that if your furry friend is ever lost, they can be reunited with you quickly and safely.
Here’s why microchipping matters at every stage of your pet’s life—and why keeping their microchip information updated with BC Pet Registry is crucial.
Table of Contents
1. The Early Years: Why Kittens and Puppies Need Microchips
When you welcome a young pet into your home, microchipping may not be the first thing on your mind. However, it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect them.
- Playful Exploration Can Lead to Escapes: Puppies and kittens are naturally curious, often finding ways to sneak outside or slip through fences. Microchipping provides a safety net if your little adventurer goes missing.
- Collars Aren’t Enough: Collars can fall off or get caught during play. A microchip ensures your pet can always be identified, no matter what.
- Lifelong Protection: Microchips are designed to last for the lifetime of your pet, offering permanent identification from day one.
BC Pet Registry makes it easy to register your pet’s microchip. Visit How It Works to learn more about the microchipping process.
2. The Middle Years: Supporting Active Pets
As your pet grows into adulthood, they may lead a more active lifestyle, increasing the chances of accidental separation.
- Outdoor Adventures: Whether your dog loves off-leash hikes or your cat enjoys exploring the backyard, there’s always a risk of them wandering too far.
- Traveling with Your Pet: Many adult pets travel with their owners for vacations or relocations. Microchips provide peace of mind, ensuring they can be identified if lost in unfamiliar places.
Real-Life Example: Norman’s Miraculous Homecoming
Norman, a sweet cat, went missing during a storm in Kelowna, leaving his family heartbroken. After days of searching, a kind stranger found Norman and took him to a vet clinic, where his microchip was scanned. Thanks to the BC Pet Registry, his family was contacted immediately, and Norman was safely reunited with his loved ones. Read more about Norman’s story.
3. The Senior Years: Protecting Older Pets
Senior pets face unique challenges that make microchipping even more essential.
- Declining Senses: Older pets may experience reduced hearing, vision, or cognitive function, making it harder for them to find their way home if lost.
- Medical Needs: Microchipping ensures that if your senior pet is found, they can be returned to you quickly, minimizing stress and ensuring they receive necessary medical care.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your senior pet is protected by a microchip provides added reassurance during their golden years.
Keeping your senior pet’s microchip information up-to-date is crucial. Visit BC Pet Registry to ensure your details are accurate.
4. Why Choose BC Pet Registry for Microchip Registration?
BC Pet Registry stands out as a trusted partner for pet safety, offering a comprehensive database and a commitment to helping pets of all ages.
- A Lifetime of Support: BC Pet Registry ensures that your pet’s microchip information is securely stored and easily accessible for the duration of their life.
- Collaborating with Vets and Communities: As a program under the BC SPCA, BC Pet Registry works with veterinarians and shelters across Canada to reunite lost pets with their owners.
- Educational Initiatives: BC Pet Registry actively contributes to the pet community through grants and donations, such as their partnership with Douglas College to enhance veterinary education. Learn more about this initiative here.
By choosing BC Pet Registry, you’re supporting an organization that prioritizes pet safety and community care.
5. Keeping Microchip Information Updated
A microchip is only as effective as the information it is registered to. No matter your pet’s age, keeping your contact details current is essential.
- Moved Recently? Update your address and phone number immediately.
- Changed Phone Numbers? Ensure your registry profile reflects the new number.
- New Caregiver? If you’ve rehomed your pet, transfer their registration to the new owner.
Unlike other registries that are profit driven, the BC Pet Registry’s goal is to support pet communities with the limited resources they have. You can trust that the BC Pet Registry does not charge additional fees for making changes or even for the transfer of ownership; the initial registration fee covers all future costs of maintaining your pet’s information in their database.
“As a non-profit program under the BC SPCA, we are grateful that we can make an impact on the communities we love so much.”
– The BC Pet Registry Team
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
From the playful energy of a kitten to the wisdom of a senior pet, microchipping offers lifelong protection for every stage of your pet’s life. It’s a simple, one-time procedure that ensures your furry friend has a permanent ID, giving you peace of mind no matter where life takes them.
Make sure your pet’s microchip is registered and up to date. Visit BC Pet Registry today to take this vital step in protecting your pet.
FAQ
Q: Do kittens and puppies need to be microchipped right away?
Yes, microchipping early ensures your pet is protected from the start. Most veterinarians recommend microchipping during their first few months of life.
Q: What if my pet is already microchipped but not registered?
You can easily register an existing microchip with BC Pet Registry. Provide the microchip number and your contact details to link the chip to you.
Q: Is microchipping painful for pets?
No. The procedure is quick and similar to receiving a vaccine. Pets typically don’t experience any discomfort after the implantation.
Q: Do senior pets benefit from microchipping?
Absolutely. Older pets may wander or become disoriented due to declining senses. A microchip ensures they can be identified and returned quickly.
Q: How often should I update my pet’s microchip information?
You should review and update your information whenever there’s a change in your contact details, such as a move or new phone number.
