Microchipping and Companion Animal Identification

Microchipping companion animals dramatically increases the rate at which lost animals are reunited with their owners, reducing shelter intake and euthanasia.

Key Facts

Microchipped dogs are returned to owners at twice the rate of un-chipped dogs in US shelters
The UK made dog microchipping mandatory in 2016 and extended this to cats in 2024
Microchip databases must be kept updated to be effective — lost animals cannot be reunited without accurate owner records
Around 33 percent of pets will become lost at some point in their lives
Microchipping is a quick, low-pain procedure equivalent to a vaccination injection
Several countries are developing interconnected national databases to improve microchip traceability

Welfare Considerations

Lost animals that cannot be identified face prolonged shelter stays, stress, and potential euthanasia. Microchipping dramatically improves reunion rates and reduces shelter pressure. Mandatory microchipping combined with accessible, up-to-date national databases represents a high-impact, low-cost welfare intervention. Advocates should support mandatory chipping requirements and invest in database infrastructure.

What You Can Do

Microchip your companion animals if not already done
Keep your microchip registration details updated when you move or change contact information
Support mandatory microchipping legislation in jurisdictions that have not yet adopted it
Advocate for interoperable national microchip databases to improve traceability
Encourage friends and family to microchip their pets and keep details current