Companion Animal Microchipping and Identification

Microchipping and identification systems dramatically improve welfare outcomes for lost animals — reuniting them with families and reducing shelter burden.

Key Facts

Only 22% of lost dogs entering shelters without microchips are returned to their owners, vs 52% with chips
Microchipping is mandatory for dogs in the UK, Australia, and many other countries
The microchipping procedure takes seconds and is equivalent in discomfort to a vaccination
Collar ID tags are essential as a first line of identification but can be lost
Updated microchip registration is as important as the chip itself — outdated records fail reunions

Welfare Considerations

Lost companion animals experience profound stress and are at risk of injury, starvation, and euthanasia in shelters. The simple, cost-effective intervention of microchipping dramatically increases the likelihood of reunion with their families. The welfare benefit is clear and the cost barrier is low. However, microchip registries vary in accessibility and interoperability, and many chips are never registered or have outdated contact details. Mandatory microchipping programs paired with well-maintained registries deliver the best welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Microchip your pets if they are not already chipped
Keep your microchip registration details current, especially after moving
Ensure your pet always wears a collar with current ID tags as a first line of identification
Support mandatory microchipping legislation in your country
Donate to low-cost microchipping programs for pet owners in lower-income communities