Why Microchip Your Pets? Even indoor pets can go on unintended adventures, keep your furry family members accounted for.

Safety First: Microchipping Matters

Even when we do our best to care for our animals, life can be unpredictable. Should your dog or cat ever get lost, an up-to-date microchip ensures you can be reached when they’re found. Lost and stray pets have their chips scanned on intake into our shelter, and unfortunately, we see animals with unregistered microchips every day.

Whether you’ve moved recently, gotten a new phone number, or just want to double-check your pet’s ID status, it’s always a good idea to update your pet’s microchip registration with a secure registry.

Keeping tabs on your dog or cat’s registration can help in other ways, too. In the rare event that a microchip company ceases operations, as recently happened with one Texas organization, you’ll be able to act swiftly in your pet’s best interest.

Your Questions Answered

Why should you microchip your pet?

Microchips provide a way to identify your pet in the event they get out or are lost, and are required for specific types of travel.

What’s the best way to ensure your pet’s chip is up-to-date/functioning as intended?

Ask your veterinarian to scan your pet when they come in for their annual visits to ensure the chip is picked up by the reader.

Are some microchipping companies better than others?

There are multiple organizations that provide free registration and where you can easily update your information, such as 24petwatch and Fi. Your vet can recommend a microchip company, too.

Are East Bay SPCA pets chipped?

Yes! All of our adopted animals go home with a microchip. We encourage adopters to keep their pet’s registration updated with any life changes.

The Takeaway

While we hope you’re never separated from your animal companions, planning for emergencies is part of pet ownership, and today’s technology makes the process easier than ever. If you ever do lose your pet, there are a number of steps you can take to find them, starting with a call to your microchip company. Don’t wait – update your pet’s microchip today!

Steps for finding a lost pet:

1. Check our listing of stray pets currently in our care.

2. Immediately contact your local animal control agency to report your missing dog or cat.

3. If your pet is microchipped, contact your microchip company.

4. Check your local veterinary clinics.

5. Place flyers around the area your pet was lost.

6. Notify your neighbors.