Micro-Chips in Dogs Need to Be Registered

I've always advocated micro-chipping pets. Owners must understand that there's more to the process than just placement of the micro-chip. In many cases, an owner must "register" that chip with a manufacturer or tracking organization. In other cases, a Veterinarian or rescue will submit the registration information at the time of micro-chipping.

Almost all dogs that wind up at rescues or shelters are scanned to check for micro-chips. If a chip ID number is found, the next step will be to check that number against a master database. If registration informtaion in that database isn't complete or accurate, the process doesn't work. An owner needs to make certain the initial registration took place, and that any information on that registration is updated should an address, telephone number, or the dog's ownership ever change.