Pet Owners Urged to Update Microchip Information on National Check the Chip Day

Annual observance highlights critical role of current registration data in reuniting lost pets with families

Schaumburg, IL,  August 15, 2025 – Today marks National Check the Chip Day, an annual observance held every August 15th that serves as a vital reminder for pet owners to verify and update their pets’ microchip registration information. With an estimated 10 million dogs and cats lost or stolen in the United States each year, this simple act could mean the difference between a joyful reunion and permanent separation.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) are emphasizing the importance of the day, noting that one in three pets will become lost at some point during their lives, but cats and dogs with registered microchips are much more likely to experience a happy reunion with their loving families.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Research published in the Journal of the AVMA reveals striking statistics about microchipping effectiveness. Only 22 percent of lost dogs entering shelters were returned to their families, but that percentage rose to more than 52 percent when a dog was microchipped. The difference is even more dramatic for cats, with cats being 21.4 times more likely to be returned to their owners if they are chipped, while dogs are 2.5 times more likely to be returned to their owners if they are chipped.

Dr. Sandra Faeh, president of the AVMA, stressed the day’s significance: “Check the Chip Day serves as a timely reminder to pet owners about the critical role that microchips play in ensuring the safety and security of our beloved animals. It only takes a few minutes to verify and update your contact information, but it can make all the difference in bringing a lost pet back home.”

A Technology Born from Innovation

The microchipping technology that now saves countless pets began taking shape in the mid-1980s. A California-based animal microchip manufacturer called Avid Identification Systems Inc. first filed for a license for this technology in 1985. However, it wasn’t until 1989 that the first microchips were planted into our furry companions.

The tiny devices, about the size of a grain of rice, are implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades and contain a unique identification number linked to owner contact information in a database. Unlike GPS tracking devices, microchips don’t provide location data but serve as permanent identification when pets are found.

The Critical Gap: Outdated Information

While microchipping has become increasingly common, the effectiveness of the technology hinges entirely on current registration information. Pet owners often move or change phone numbers without updating their microchip databases, rendering the technology useless when it’s needed most.

Microchips help reunite lost pets with their families. But a microchip only works if its registration information is accurate. This challenge has made Check the Chip Day essential for public education and awareness.

How Pet Owners Can Participate

Veterinarians and animal welfare organizations are encouraging pet owners to take several steps on Check the Chip Day:

• Contact their veterinarian to scan and verify their pet’s microchip is working
• Update registration information with current contact details, including phone numbers and addresses
• Ensure alternative contact information is also current
• If unsure about their pet’s microchip status, schedule an appointment for scanning

Many veterinary clinics offer special promotions on microchipping services during Check the Chip Day, making it an ideal time for pet owners who haven’t yet had their animals microchipped to take this important step.

A Growing Movement

The observance has gained momentum since its establishment, with animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and pet organizations nationwide participating in awareness campaigns. Social media has become a powerful tool for spreading the message, with pet owners sharing their microchipping experiences and encouraging others to participate.

The day also serves as an opportunity for animal welfare organizations to educate the public about the safety and simplicity of the microchipping process, which requires no anesthesia and causes minimal discomfort to pets.

As pet ownership continues to grow across the United States, National Check the Chip Day represents a simple yet powerful way for pet owners to take proactive steps in protecting their beloved companions. With just a few minutes of effort to update contact information, pet owners can significantly increase the chances that their lost pets will find their way home.

For more information about microchipping or to find participating veterinary clinics, pet owners can visit the American Veterinary Medical Association’s website or contact their local veterinarian.