www.petmicrochiplookup.org
FAQs for AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool
Why was this tool created?
Combined with a collar and current name tag, a microchip increases
the likelihood of a lost pet being safely reunited with its owner.
However, even with a microchip scanner, identifying the correct pet
recovery registry to contact can be challenging because microchip
manufacturers and pet recovery services use different microchip
technology and databases.
To alleviate the guesswork for veterinary hospitals, animal control
facilities and shelter staff members, the American Animal Hospital
Association (AAHA) created the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup
Tool. The tool is possible through an unprecedented collaboration
between the participating microchipping and pet recovery companies.
Although the launch of this tool represents a ground-breaking
achievement for those working to reunite lost pets with their owners,
AAHA acknowledges that the tool is a work in progress and will
periodically review its functionality.
How does it work?
The AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool works by checking the
databases of participating pet recovery services to determine which has
registration information available for a microchip. Once a microchip
identification number is entered into the tool, within seconds a list of
all the registries with microchip registration information available,
along with the registries’ contact information, will appear in
chronological order; the registry with the most recent update appears
first. If the microchip has not been registered with any participating
pet recovery service, the result returned will default to the
microchip’s manufacturer or distributor. While the tool will not return
the pet owner information contained in the registries’ databases, it
will identify which registries should be contacted when a lost pet is
scanned and a microchip is found.
If I am a pet owner and don’t see my pet’s microchip information, whom should I contact?
Since the tool works by checking the databases of participating pet
recovery services to determine which has registration information
available for a microchip, pet owners should contact their pet recovery
service. The American Animal Hospital Association will be unable to
assist pet owners with their microchip registration and/or problems.
Why doesn’t the tool show the pet owner’s information?
To protect the privacy of pet owners, the tool will display all the
registries with microchip registration information available, along
with the registries’ contact information. The information will appear in
chronological order; the registry with the most recent update appears
first. Additionally, the pet recovery services have trained experts,
resources and infrastructure to efficiently and effectively contact the
owners of lost pet.
Which countries does this tool serve?
Microchip technology and regulations can vary by countries. The AAHA
Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool was created to primarily serve chips
distributed in the United States.
Once at the website, enter the microchip ID and click
"Submit". The results are returned with the most recent entry
displaying first. Therefore, start by calling the company listed first in the
"enrolled with" box. If you are unable to get the correct information
from the top record, work your way down the list.
www.petmicrochiplookup.org
