Taking Action on National Check the Chip Day

Every year, thousands of pets go missing, leaving their owners worried and distressed. Fortunately, microchipping has emerged as a reliable and effective way to increase the chances of reuniting with our furry friends. To raise awareness about this invaluable technology, National Check the Chip Day is celebrated annually on August 15th. This day serves as a reminder for pet owners to ensure their pet's microchip information is up to date and their beloved companions can be easily identified and returned home. 

The Power of Microchipping

Microchipping involves the insertion of a tiny electronic chip under a pet's skin, typically between the shoulder blades. This chip contains a unique identification number that corresponds to the pet owner's contact information in a national pet recovery database. Unlike traditional forms of identification, such as collars and tags, microchips are permanent and cannot be easily lost or altered.

Why National Check the Chip Day Matters

• Ensuring Accuracy: National Check the Chip Day highlights the importance of regularly updating the information associated with the microchip. Contact details, addresses, and phone numbers can change over time, so it's crucial to verify that the information registered in the database is current. This small act greatly improves the chances of a successful reunion if a pet goes missing.
• Reuniting Lost Pets: Pets without identification face an uphill battle when lost. Microchips act as a lifeline, connecting lost pets to their worried owners. Animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and rescue organizations routinely scan for microchips in stray animals, allowing them to quickly contact the registered owners and facilitate a joyous reunion.
• Minimizing Shelter Overcrowding: Lost pets without proper identification often end up in overcrowded animal shelters. By ensuring our pets are microchipped and registered, we reduce the strain on shelters, enabling them to focus their resources on animals without microchips or owners.
• Spreading Awareness: National Check the Chip Day creates awareness among pet owners who may be unaware of the benefits of microchipping or have overlooked the importance of keeping the information updated. Educating the public about microchipping helps instill responsible pet ownership practices, ultimately contributing to happier, safer pets.

Accessing the Microchip Registry

When accessing the microchip registry have the following information ready:

• Pet ID number: This unique identifier is associated with your pet's microchip and is usually provided at the time of microchipping.
• Contact details: Update your current address, phone number, and email address, ensuring they are accurate and accessible.
• Emergency contact: Provide the information of a trusted person who can be contacted if you are unavailable during an emergency.
• Veterinary information: Include the contact details of your regular veterinarian to facilitate communication and ensure prompt medical care if your pet is found.

By regularly checking and updating this information, you are actively contributing to the safety and well-being of your beloved pet.

National Check the Chip Day is a vital reminder to pet owners about the importance of microchipping and keeping the associated information up to date. By taking action on this day and following the suggested steps, you are not only safeguarding your pet's well-being but also promoting responsible pet ownership. Let's come together to spread awareness and ensure that every lost pet has a greater chance of being reunited with their loving family.

If you have any questions about your pet’s microchip or would like to make an appointment at Mother Lode Veterinary Hospital, call today at (530) 272-6651!