Pet Microchip Registration What Happens If You Move And Forget To Update

A microchip is one of the most reliable ways to ensure your pet can be returned to you if they get lost. Unlike collars or tags that can fall off, a microchip provides permanent identification embedded beneath your pet’s skin. But its effectiveness depends entirely on accurate, up-to-date registration information. If you’ve moved and forgotten to update your contact details with the microchip registry, the entire purpose of the chip may be compromised.

This oversight is more common than many realize. People relocate for jobs, family, or lifestyle changes, and in the shuffle, updating a microchip record often falls through the cracks. The consequences can be heartbreaking—your pet found safe but unable to find their way back home because the phone number or address on file no longer works.

Why Microchip Registration Matters

A microchip itself is just a tiny radio-frequency identification (RFID) device, usually implanted between a pet’s shoulder blades. It contains a unique 15-digit number linked to a database where your contact information is stored. When a lost pet is scanned at a shelter, veterinary clinic, or animal control facility, that number pulls up the registered owner’s details.

However, the chip is only as useful as the accuracy of the data tied to it. A study by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) found that while microchipped dogs were over twice as likely to be returned to their owners compared to non-chipped dogs, one-third of those records contained outdated or incorrect contact information.

“Microchips save lives—but only if the owner keeps their information current. An outdated address or disconnected phone number renders even the best technology useless.” — Dr. Laura Bennett, DVM, National Council on Pet Homecoming

The Real Consequences of Not Updating Your Address

When a pet goes missing after a move and the microchip info hasn’t been updated, several scenarios can unfold:

• Delayed Reunions: Shelters may attempt to call the old number listed. If it’s disconnected or reassigned, no one answers. Even if they leave a message, you won’t receive it.
• Pets Mistakenly Declared Stray: Without reachable contact, shelters may classify the animal as unowned and proceed with adoption or, in worst cases, euthanasia if space is limited.
• Emotional and Financial Costs: Extended shelter stays increase boarding fees. Some registries charge reactivation or update fees, adding stress during an already difficult time.
• Geographic Confusion: If your old address is in another state or country, recovery teams might assume the pet was abandoned or stolen, complicating efforts to return them.

Tip: Treat your pet’s microchip like a utility bill or bank account—update it immediately when you change your address.

Mini Case Study: Bella the Cat’s Close Call

Six months after Sarah moved from Denver to Phoenix, her indoor-outdoor cat, Bella, slipped out during a housewarming party. Two days later, a neighbor spotted Bella near a shopping center and brought her to a local vet clinic.

The vet scanned Bella and found a microchip. The registry showed an active listing—but the phone number led to a disconnected line, and the address was Sarah’s old apartment in Colorado. Fortunately, the registry allowed secondary contacts, and Sarah had listed her sister as an emergency point of contact. Her sister still had Sarah’s new number and called immediately.

Sarah drove two hours to pick up Bella. “I thought I was safe because I’d registered the chip years ago,” she said. “I didn’t realize moving made that record obsolete.” She now sets a calendar reminder every January to verify all her pets’ microchip details.

How to Update Your Pet’s Microchip After a Move

Updating your pet’s microchip is typically simple, but the process varies depending on the manufacturer. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Locate the microchip number. Check your pet’s medical records, adoption paperwork, or ask your veterinarian to scan the chip.
2. Determine the registry. Common brands include HomeAgain, Found Animals, AKC Reunite, Banfield, and 24PetWatch. The chip number often indicates the brand.
3. Visit the registry’s website. Most offer online portals for updating contact information.
4. Log in or create an account. You’ll need the microchip ID and your original email or account details.
5. Update your address, phone number, and email. Add a secondary contact if possible—someone who knows you and your pet.
6. Confirm the update. Some registries send a confirmation email. Keep this for your records.
7. Test the new number. Ask a friend to call it to ensure it works and forwards correctly.

Note: Some registries charge a one-time fee or annual renewal. Others, like Found Animals, offer free lifetime registration. If you’re unsure, call the registry directly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Microchip Management

Do	Don't
Update your contact info within 48 hours of moving	Assume the vet or shelter will automatically update it
Add a backup contact (friend, relative, pet sitter)	Rely solely on collars and tags without microchipping
Register the chip even if your pet never leaves the yard	Wait until your pet is lost to check the status
Keep a printed copy of the registration confirmation	Use a temporary phone number or vacation address
Verify the registry accepts international addresses if applicable	Change your email provider without updating the registry

Common Misconceptions About Microchips

Several myths persist about pet microchips, leading to complacency or confusion:

• Myth: Vets automatically update the registry. While some clinics register chips at implantation, they rarely update them after moves unless specifically requested.
• Myth: The chip tracks location like GPS. Microchips are not tracking devices. They only work when scanned.
• Myth: One registration lasts forever. True—but only if you keep the data current. Outdated info voids the protection.
• Myth: All scanners read all chips. Though universal scanners exist, older models may miss certain frequencies. Using a major registry improves compatibility.

Tip: Ask your vet to scan your pet annually during checkups to confirm the chip is functional and detectable.

Checklist: What to Do After Moving with Pets

Ensure your pet remains protected and traceable after relocation:

• ✅ Update microchip registration with new address and phone number
• ✅ Notify your veterinarian of your new contact details
• ✅ Transfer medical records to a local clinic if changing vets
• ✅ Renew pet licenses with the new municipality (often required by law)
• ✅ Replace ID tags with your current phone number
• ✅ Register with local lost-pet networks or community apps (e.g., Nextdoor, PawBoost)
• ✅ Take fresh photos of your pet in case they go missing

What Happens If You Can’t Find the Microchip Number?

If you don’t have access to your pet’s microchip number, don’t panic. Visit any veterinary clinic or animal shelter—they can scan your pet for free and retrieve the ID. Once you have the number, look up the registry using tools like the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup at aaha.org. This site cross-references multiple databases to identify the correct registry.

If the chip isn’t registered at all, do so immediately. Even if it’s been years since implantation, registration can be completed at any time—though the earlier, the better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my pet’s microchip if I don’t know the original registry?

Yes. Use the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup tool by entering the 15-digit chip number. It will identify the correct registry. If the chip isn’t in the system, the scanner facility can often help determine the brand based on the number prefix.

Is there a fee to update my address?

It depends on the registry. Found Animals offers free lifetime updates. Others, like HomeAgain, may charge a small fee for changes or require an annual subscription. Always check the policy when registering.

What if I move abroad? Will the microchip still work?

Yes, microchips are recognized internationally, especially if they comply with ISO standards (11784/11785). However, you must update your contact information with a reachable number or designate a U.S.-based emergency contact. Some countries require additional documentation for pet entry, so research local regulations ahead of time.

Conclusion: Protect Your Peace of Mind

Your pet’s microchip is only effective when paired with accurate, current information. Moving is stressful, and administrative tasks often get delayed—but failing to update your pet’s microchip registration puts their safety at risk. A few minutes spent logging into a registry could prevent weeks of anguish if your companion ever wanders off.

Treat microchip maintenance as a non-negotiable part of pet ownership. Set reminders, involve your family, and make it part of your relocation checklist. In emergencies, every second counts. With updated information, your pet has the best chance of returning safely to your arms.

🚀 Take action today: Grab your pet’s records, visit your microchip registry, and verify every detail. Share this article with fellow pet owners to spread awareness—because no family should lose a loved one over an outdated phone number.