A microchip is one of the best tools to identify your pet if they ever get lost, but the chip alone isn’t enough. Without registering your pet’s microchip in a reliable database, it cannot be linked to your contact information. Pet registries like BC Pet Registry bridge this gap, ensuring that every microchip is traceable to an owner. In this article, we’ll explore why registering your pet is essential and how BC Pet Registry plays a vital role in reuniting pets with their families.
Table of Contents
1. The Difference Between Microchipping and Registering
One of the biggest misconceptions among pet owners is that microchipping automatically links their contact information to the chip. While microchips provide a unique identification number, they do not store your personal details.
- What Microchips Do: They contain a unique ID that can be scanned by veterinarians or shelters. However, without registration, this ID doesn’t lead to your contact information.
- What Registries Do: Pet registries like BC Pet Registry link your microchip’s ID to your name, phone number, and other vital details. This ensures that if your pet is found, you can be contacted immediately.
2. How Pet Registries Help Reunite Lost Pets
When a lost pet is found and scanned for a microchip, the first step is to check the chip’s registration details. If the microchip is registered, participating shelters and vets can contact the owner quickly. Here’s how BC Pet Registry simplifies this process:
- Centralized Database: BC Pet Registry maintains a secure, easy-to-access database that participating shelters and vets across Canada can use to identify pet owners.
- Quick Connections: Once a microchip is scanned, the registry allows for instant contact with the owner, drastically increasing the chances of a fast reunion.
- National and International Coverage: As the most robust pet registry in Canada, BC Pet Registry connects pet owners with shelters and veterinarians nationwide. The registry’s ISO-compliant microchips are recognized internationally, making it a trusted choice for pet owners who travel.
Success Story: Hobbe’s Long-Awaited Reunion
Hobbes, a beloved house cat, had been missing for months. His family feared they might never see him again. But thanks to his microchip and BC Pet Registry, Hobbes was found 150 kilometers from home and safely reunited with his owners. His story shows the importance of microchipping and registering to ensure pets find their way back to their families. Read more about Hobbe’sincredible journey here.
3. Why Every Pet Owner Should Register Their Pet
Registering your pet’s microchip isn’t just a precaution; it’s a responsibility. Here’s why it matters:
- Increased Reunification Rates: Pets with registered microchips are significantly more likely to be reunited with their families than those without.
- Permanent Identification: Unlike collars or tags that can fall off, a microchip provides a permanent form of identification that stays with your pet for life.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your pet is registered gives you the confidence that if they ever get lost, you’ll have the best chance of being reunited.
What Happens If a Microchip Isn’t Registered?
Without registration, a scanned microchip won’t provide any information about the owner. This creates unnecessary delays, reducing the chances of a successful reunion. Registering your pet ensures their microchip is more than just a number—it’s a lifeline back to you.
4. Why Choose BC Pet Registry?
BC Pet Registry stands out as a trusted partner in pet safety for many reasons. As a program under the BC SPCA, it benefits from an expansive and growing network of shelters, veterinarians, and pet organizations across the province. This network plays a critical role in educating pet owners, reuniting lost pets, and promoting responsible pet care.
- Collaborating with Veterinarians and the Community: BC Pet Registry works closely with veterinarians to make microchipping and registration more accessible. Their partnerships ensure that pet owners have the resources they need to protect their pets.
- Giving Back: BC Pet Registry actively supports the community. For example, they have donated thousands of microchips to different rescue organizations in the province and contributed to initiatives like Douglas College’s veterinary program to enhance education and pet care. Read more about their Douglas College partnership here.
- Commitment to Pet Safety: With their comprehensive database and ISO-compliant microchips, BC Pet Registry ensures that pets have the best chance of being safely reunited with their families.
Choosing BC Pet Registry means supporting an organization that prioritizes your pet’s safety while also supporting the life-saving work of the BC SPCA.
5. Common Myths About Microchipping and Registration
There are a few misconceptions about microchipping and registration that can lead to confusion among pet owners. Let’s address them:
Myth 1: My pet is microchipped, so I don’t need to register them.
Fact: A microchip is only useful if it’s registered. Without registration, there’s no way to connect the chip’s ID to your contact information. Vet clinics typically register for their clients, however, some clinics do ask the pet owners to register themselves online after the microchip is implanted. It’s your responsibility to make sure the registration is done, either by your vet clinic or yourself.
Myth 2: Indoor pets don’t need microchips or registration.
Fact: Even indoor pets can escape, especially during emergencies or when frightened by loud noises. Microchipping and registering them ensures they can be identified if they get lost. The BC SPCA handled thousands of stray animals each year, many of them were unable to be reunited with their families, often due to lack of permanent identification.
Myth 3: Microchips store all my information.
Fact: Microchips only store a unique ID. Your contact information is stored in the registry, not on the chip itself.
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
Microchipping is a vital first step in ensuring your pet can be identified if they go missing, but without registration, a microchip alone isn’t enough. Pet registries like BC Pet Registry play a crucial role in reuniting lost pets with their families. By registering your pet’s microchip and keeping your contact details up to date, you’re giving them the best chance of finding their way back to you.
If you haven’t registered your pet yet, don’t wait. Visit BC Pet Registry today to take this important step in pet safety.
FAQ
Q: How much does it cost to register my pet’s microchip with BC Pet Registry?
Only a one time fee of $45, protects the pet for lifetime.
Q: Can I update my contact information after registration?
Yes, updating your details is quick and easy. Log in to your BC Pet Registry account anytime to make changes.
Q: Do I need to re-register my pet’s microchip every year?
No, once registered, your pet’s microchip stays in the database. However, it’s important to review and update your contact information regularly.
Q: What if my pet already has a microchip but isn’t registered?
You can register their microchip with BC Pet Registry by providing the microchip number and your contact details. This ensures your pet is linked to you.
Q: Is BC Pet Registry recognized outside of Canada?
Yes, BC Pet Registry’s ISO-compliant microchips are internationally traceable through American Animal Hospital Association’s microchip registry lookup tool , making them ideal for travel and reunification anywhere in the world.
