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Physical address:
Everett, Washington
Email address:
info@whiskerfoundation.org
Microchip identification gave Luna’s family a sense of reassurance when she slipped out the door one evening—even as they felt completely heartbroken.
“She’s microchipped,” they kept telling themselves. “If someone finds her, they’ll call us.”
Flyers went up. Social posts were shared. Local shelters were notified. Weeks passed with no word.
Eventually, Luna was found and brought to a veterinary clinic, where her microchip was scanned immediately.
But when staff tried to contact the owner listed on the chip, the phone number was disconnected. The email address bounced back. The physical address no longer existed.
Although Luna had been microchipped, the information tied to her microchip was years out of date—and in this case, it had never been updated since the day the microchip was implanted.
The Microchip Misconception
Many people believe a microchip automatically protects a pet for life. In reality, a microchip is not a tracking device and it does not update itself.
A microchip simply stores a number. That number links to a registry record containing the owner’s contact information.
If that information is outdated—or was never registered in the first place—the microchip can’t help reunite a lost cat with their family.
A Real-Life Example of Outdated Microchip Records
A caregiver recently attempted to add two newly rescued kittens to their microchip registry account and discovered a troubling situation.
Instead of one accurate record, there were multiple accounts associated with the household. Across those accounts were:
- Three different physical addresses
- Two different phone numbers
- Email addresses no longer in use
- Records tied to several previous shelters and owners
The cats had come from multiple shelters over the years, and while each had been micro-chipped, some records had not been updated in years—and others had never been updated after implantation.
If any of those cats were to go missing, the microchip scan could easily point to the wrong person—or no one at all.
When a Microchip Becomes Ineffective
One cat in the household clearly illustrated the risk.
She had been adopted from a shelter years earlier and later surrendered into another caregiver’s care. Since the original adoption:
- The listed owner changed phone numbers
- The email address on file was no longer active
- The physical address was outdated
Her microchip information had not been updated since the day it was implanted.
As a result, the microchip would provide no meaningful help if she were found today—unless the registry information is corrected.
Why Updating Microchip Information Can Require Proof
Microchip registries use safeguards to prevent fraudulent ownership changes. Because of this, updating primary contact information isn’t always as simple as logging in and editing a profile.
In some cases, caregivers may be asked to provide:
- Written documentation showing the cat was surrendered into their care, or
- A letter from a licensed veterinarian confirming the cat is currently in their care
Until that verification is provided, the microchip remains tied to outdated information.
How Microchip Information Becomes Outdated
This situation is far more common than many pet guardians realize.
Microchip records become inaccurate when:
- Owners move and don’t update their address
- Phone numbers or email addresses change
- Microchips are implanted but never registered
- Pets are rehomed or surrendered
- Multiple shelters or rescues are involved over time
While shelters and veterinarians implant microchips, only the registered owner can ensure the information stays current.
What Every Cat Guardian Should Do
To make sure a microchip can actually bring a cat home, Whisker Foundation recommends the following best practices:
1. Confirm the Chip Is Registered
Ask your veterinarian or shelter to scan your cat’s microchip and confirm:
- The microchip number
- Which registry it is listed with
2. Review Your Information Annually
At least once a year, confirm that:
- Your address is current
- Your phone number is active
- Your email address is monitored
3. Update Records After Any Life Change
Moving, changing phone numbers, or switching email providers should always trigger a microchip update.
4. Document Transfers of Care
If a cat is surrendered or rehomed:
- Use a written surrender or transfer agreement
- Ask your veterinarian to document the change of care
This documentation may be required to update registry records.
Where to Check Your Cat’s Microchip Registration
If you’re unsure which registry your cat’s microchip is listed with, your veterinarian or local shelter can scan the chip and help identify it.
Many cats are registered with one or more of the following databases:
- 24PetWatch – https://www.24petwatch.com
HomeAgain – https://www.homeagain.com
PetLink – https://www.petlink.net
Found Animals Registry – https://www.foundanimals.org
Tip: Some pets are listed in multiple registries. Always verify and update every record associated with your cat.
A Microchip Is Only as Effective as the Information Behind It
Microchips save lives—but only when the information connected to them is accurate and current.
Luna’s story is a powerful reminder that microchipping is not a one-time task. It’s an ongoing responsibility that continues long after implantation.
If it’s been years since you checked your cat’s microchip information—or if it was never updated after implantation—now is the time.
Because when a cat is lost, accurate information can mean the difference between staying lost and finding their way home. 🐾
Educational guidance like this is part of Whisker Foundation’s commitment to helping cats stay safe and find their way home when the unexpected happens. Learn more about our mission at whiskerfoundation.org.
Microchip policies and update requirements vary by registry. Documentation may be required to verify ownership or transfer of care.