Urgent: Check Your Pet's Microchip

Let's talk about something that might feel a little scary, but don't worry—we've got your back. A major pet microchip company, Save This Life, has recently closed its doors, leaving many pet parents wondering about next steps. If this news has you anxiously checking your pet's papers, take a deep breath. We're here to help you navigate this situation.

What this means for your pet

Think of your pet's microchip like a tiny digital ID card. When Save This Life closed, they essentially turned off the database that connects these IDs to your contact information. This means if your pet gets lost and has one of their microchips, the usual scanning process won't reveal your information to help bring them home.

Your action plan

Here's the good news: fixing this is totally doable. Here's what you need to do: 

1. Find your pet's microchip number (check those vet records or pop by your vet for a quick scan) 

2. Visit the American Animal Hospital Association's website to check which company your chip is registered with 

3. If it's Save This Life, it's time to re-register with a new, reliable company. 24PetWatch, AKC Reunite, PetLink, and HomeAgain all offer microchip registry services. (Psst - 24PetWatch is FREE to register)

Figo has you covered

When 10 million pets go missing every year in the USA alone, a safety net and a bit of proactive planning can be the difference between heartbreak and a happy reunion. If you find yourself in a situation where your pet has decided to become an escape artist, don't panic.

When her beloved pup slipped away, Chicago food influencer @agirlaboutchicago experienced the stress - and ultimate joy - of pet reunion firsthand. Read her story on the Figo blog and get valuable insights on what helped most in finding her dog. Plus, explore our comprehensive guides packed with expert tips on recovering a lost dog or cat.

Peace of mind

While unexpected changes like this can feel overwhelming, remember that being proactive with your pet's safety is one of the most loving things you can do as a pet parent. Whether you're affected by this situation or not, it's a good reminder to double-check your pet's microchip registration and make sure all your contact information is up to date.

Remember, you're not just protecting your pet—you're protecting yourself from undue stress down the road. So, if your dog or cat decides to channel Houdini, you’ll be one step ahead and one step closer to bringing them home.

Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.