A popular company that helps recover lost cats and dogs has suddenly disappeared.
The American Animal Hospital Association says the microchip registry of Save This Life abruptly closed and their database is gone.
Animal hospitals have been using microchips from Save This Life for years.
According to Dr. Mike Grace of Flying Cloud Animal Hospital, the microchips are still operational and secure. Nevertheless, in case of scanning, the contact details of the pet owner might not be displayed, which could pose a problem if a pet like a cat or dog becomes lost.
Grace says the best thing to do right now is first find out your pet’s chip number by contacting the vet or clinic that implanted it.
If it’s not from Save This Life, no action is needed.
If it is, veterinarians urge pet owners to re-register the chip with another database.
FreePetChipRegistry.com will do it for free.
Dr. Graham Brayshaw, the chief medical officer at the Animal Humane Society, emphasizes that this situation serves as a valuable reminder to keep the contact information linked with the microchips up to date or to consider getting a microchip inserted for identification purposes.
He says one in three dogs and cats will be lost at some point in their lives.
“Microchipping is essential for every animal,” Brayshaw stressed. “All my pets have been microchipped. However, a collar and tag with accurate details are actually the most efficient methods for reuniting with a lost animal.”
Brayshaw says Save This Life isn’t one of the major registries, but it’s still worth checking your pet’s chip.
The company’s phone number is disconnected, and no one responded to an email seeking comment, WCCO reported.
