MicroChips in Dogs Need to Be Registered

I've advocated microchipping for pets many times in the past. This story serves as a sobering reminder that there's more to the process than just having your Vet insert the chip. In many cases it's the owner's responsibility to register the chip with the manufacturer or other tracking organization. In other words, chips only work if you take the time to register your name and contact information with the chip ID number.

Almost all dogs that wind up at shelters are scanned to check for chips. After this the shelters contact manufacturers to see who the chip is registered with. While some Vets may offer this as part of the microchipping, owners need to make sure. It the dog's owner that in the end needs to make certain the initial registration took place, and that the information on that registration is updated should an address, telephone number, or the dog's ownership ever change.