Table of Contents
The Day Miss Molly Disappeared
Amalie had just settled into a new home when her curious kitten bolted. On the afternoon of 4 January, Miss Molly—only 17 months old—slipped through the door and darted into an unfamiliar neighbourhood. Because the move was recent, none of the surrounding scents or landmarks felt like home to her.
It Took Twenty-Three Days of Searching!
“I never gave up because I just knew I’d get a call one day… good or bad,” Amalie later said.
Amalie started the classic lost-cat routine. She placed Missy’s litter box outside, walked block after block, and shook treat bags while calling her name. Flyers went up; neighbours checked sheds and garages. Days rolled into weeks, yet silence lingered.
The Call From the Vet
Exactly 23 days after Missy vanished, the phone rang. A nearby veterinary clinic had examined a faint ear tattoo and traced it straight to Amalie’s contact information. The timing was critical: Missy had lost half her body weight, was severely dehydrated, and ran a high temperature. The vet warned that, in her condition, she would not have survived the cold snap and snowfall predicted for that weekend.
Proof Positive: The Reunion
When Amalie arrived at the clinic, Miss Molly was weak but alive. After a week of fluids, warmth, and gentle care, her tail began its familiar wag. That little movement told Amalie her kitten was truly on the mend.
“Best phone call EVER!” she said, describing the moment her phone lit up with the vet’s number.
One registered tattoo and an up-to-date phone number turned a desperate search into a life-saving reunion.
Why Miss Molly’s Story Matters
Lesson learned | Takeaway for guardians |
Young pets wander too | Even a 17-month-old indoor cat can bolt in seconds, especially after a move. |
Registration turns ID into action | The tattoo saved Missy only because it linked to Amalie’s current contact details |
Winter weather is unforgiving | A single cold snap can be fatal for an underweight, dehydrated pet—speed of reunion matters. |
Need a refresher on how ID works? Check How Pet Microchip Works for a step-by-step guide.
Community Reminder: Register and Update
Amalie’s advice is simple:
“Please get your pets chipped or at least tattooed, and keep the info up-to-date. I am so grateful.”
If you are unsure about your own records, log in to your BC Pet Registry, go to “Profile” at the top right hand corner of the dashboard and confirm that your phone number, address, and backup contact are correct. It takes less than five minutes.
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
Miss Molly survived three winter weeks alone because her tattoo traced to Amalie’s phone number, and that phone number was current. A tiny identifier bridged the gap between danger and safety, proving once again that permanent, registered ID is every pet’s best lifeline.
Take Amalie’s advice to heart. Whether you choose a tattoo, a microchip, or both, make sure the details in BC Pet Registry are correct today. The next “Best phone call EVER!” could be yours.
FAQ
Q: How do I know my pet’s tattoo or microchip is registered?
If you have a BC Pet Registry account, sign in to your BC Pet Registry account to check the registration status. If you are unsure about anything or have any technical issues with your account, please contact our team at info@bcpetregistry.ca for assistance.
Q: My cat never goes outside. Do I still need a chip or tattoo?
Yes. Indoor-only pets can slip out during moves, loud parties, or emergencies. Permanent ID is the best backup.
Q: Is lifetime registration really forty-five dollars?
It is. One payment covers unlimited updates. Unlike other registries, there is no extra cost to make updates to your contact information or your pet’s details, including medical records, pictures as well as transfer of ownership.
Q: What information should I include in my pet’s profile?
Add at least two phone numbers (e.g. emergency or co-ownership details), photos, your vet’s contact, and any medical notes such as allergies or medications.
Q: Can I register both a tattoo and a microchip?
Absolutely. Multiple forms of ID in one profile give shelters and vets more ways to confirm ownership.
Q: What should I do if I find a pet with a tattoo?
Take the animal to any vet clinic or shelter for a free scan and tattoo lookup. Staff will contact the registered guardian or guide you through the next steps.
