Pet microchip alert: Metro Detroit vets say to re-register chips after business closure

DETROIT (FOX 2) - Microchips are a safety net for people who worry about their pet running off and getting lost. But after a microchip company closed its doors, many vets say it is time to possibly re-register your pet's chip.

What they're saying:

Conway the cat is one of the pets to have a microchip, so that once he is adopted, his new family will be on file if he gets lost.

Dr. Crystal Sapp, the Vice President of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan Humane, was one of many veterinarians who recently learned a microchip company called "Save This Life" appeared to be out of business.

What you can do:

Sapp says in light of the news, to check with your vet or get your pet scanned to get your pet's microchip number, then enter it into the microchip registry lookup through the American Animal Hospital Association at aaha.org.

If the chip number starts with 991 or 900164, it's likely you have a "Save This Life" microchip, and you need to get it re-registered.

"You don't have to be stuck with one registration. You can move that registration around. If it is through a company that is no longer providing service or business, you can register your microchip," Sapp said.

Pet owners should make sure your phone number and address are up-to-date as well, because you don't want your pet getting lost forever.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sapp says don't just rely on that microchip; make sure your pet has other identification, too.