How To Register Dog Microchip

How to Register Dog Microchip: A Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Your Furry Friend Safe

As a dog owner, one of the most important things you can do for your furry friend is to ensure their safety. One way to do this is by getting your dog microchipped. This small device, about the size of a grain of rice, can be implanted under your dog’s skin and contains a unique identification number that can help reunite you with your pet should they ever get lost.

But getting your dog microchipped is just the first step. Once the microchip is in place, you need to register it with a national database. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to register your dog’s microchip.

Why You Should Register Your Dog’s Microchip

Before we dive into the details of how to register your dog’s microchip, let’s talk about why it’s so important.

First and foremost, registering your dog’s microchip increases the chances of being reunited with them if they ever go missing. According to the American Humane Society, only 17% of lost dogs are returned to their owners when not microchipped. However, when dogs are microchipped and registered, that number jumps up to 52%.

Additionally, some states require by law that all dogs be microchipped. Even if it’s not required where you live, it’s still a good idea to get your dog microchipped and registered in case they ever wander off or get lost while traveling.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Register Your Dog’s Microchip

Now that we’ve established why registering your dog’s microchip is so important, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how to do it.

Step 1: Find Out Which Database Your Microchip Is Registered With

The first step in registering your dog’s microchip is figuring out which database it’s registered with. There are several national databases that keep track of microchipped pets, including:

– AKC Reunite
– HomeAgain
– PetLink
– 24PetWatch

If you’re not sure which database your dog’s microchip is registered with, contact your veterinarian or the organization that implanted the microchip for you.

Step 2: Gather Your Information

Once you know which database your dog’s microchip is registered with, gather all the necessary information you’ll need to complete the registration process. This includes:

– Your name and contact information
– Your dog’s name, breed, age, and sex
– The microchip identification number
– Any additional information about your dog (e.g., medical conditions)

Having all this information on hand will make the registration process go much more smoothly.

Step 3: Go Online and Register Your Dog’s Microchip

Most national databases allow you to register your dog’s microchip online. Simply visit the website of the database that your microchip is registered with and follow their instructions for registering a new pet.

Some databases may charge a fee for registration, so be prepared to pay if necessary. However, many organizations offer free registration for pets adopted from animal shelters or rescue groups.

Step 4: Keep Your Contact Information Up-to-Date

Once you’ve registered your dog’s microchip, it’s important to keep your contact information up-to-date. If you move or change phone numbers, be sure to update your information in the database as soon as possible.

This way, if your dog ever goes missing, the person who finds them will be able to quickly get in touch with you and reunite you with your furry friend.

Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe

In addition to getting your dog microchipped and registered, there are plenty of other things you can do to keep them safe and secure. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

– Always keep your dog on a leash or in a secure, fenced-in area when outside.
– Make sure your dog has identification tags on their collar with your current contact information.
– Consider getting your dog a GPS tracker that can be attached to their collar and help you locate them if they ever get lost.
– Keep up-to-date records of your dog’s vaccinations and medical history.
– Regularly check your yard for potential hazards, such as toxic plants or holes in the fence.

Conclusion

Getting your dog microchipped and registered is an important step in keeping them safe and secure. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to easily register your dog’s microchip and increase the chances of being reunited with them if they ever go missing.

Remember to keep your contact information up-to-date and take other precautions, such as using a leash and ID tags, to ensure your furry friend stays safe and happy. And don’t forget to give them plenty of love and attention – after all, that’s what being a pet owner is all about!