FAQs Archive • Page 2 of 3 • CatChip.com

Q: What happens to my cat if the chip is not registered?

The chip is your cat’s lifeline to you, b ut only if it is registered. An unregistered microchip is simply a number. It means that if your cat is lost or separated from you, the chip serves no purpose. Your cat can be adopted, kept at a shelter, or even euthanized if the chip has no connection to you. However, if that number is connected to you in our database, we can alert you in minutes when your cat is found. A registered chip is a nationwide time-tested method for reuniting pets and their people - fast. The microchip 'speaks' for your cat: "I have a home and people who love me. Contact my owner!" Registration is simple and it makes ALL the difference. Do it now. Get peace of mind and mark it off your list! [Register and Learn]

Q: Can all microchip scanners read The CatChip™?

Yes! All scanners currently used in the pet industry can read The CatChip™. Our microchip products can be read by scanners around the world because our chips are ISO certified and compliant, meaning they meet international and national standards for animal identification. If you have any questions, give us a call at 800-434-2843.

Q: Is there an annual fee to keep my chip registered?

No. No renewal fees. No annual fees. Your registration is maintained with full Member Benefits for as long as you own your pet. You only pay a one time initial fee, and you may not even have to pay that if your breeder, rescue, or vet has paid it for you!

Q: Are the chips I buy registered to me?

PLEASE NOTE : Buying a microchip is not the same as registering it. It is essential that a microchipped cat be connected to the owner in a registry designed for that purpose. Otherwise its just a number. When you order microchips from Microchip ID Systems, they are documented in our database as being sold to you. This is not the same as proving ownership and holds no claim of ownership (for an individual cat) with licensing or legal authorities. Additionally, our modern services such as SearchALERT™ and Safe Places™ are only available for registered pets and owners.

Q: Is the microchip a GPS device?

No. A microchip installed under the skin of an animal is NOT a GPS device. The microchip does not have a battery or power source, which is required for live GPS tracking. Microchips respond to radio wave signals initiated by a scanner. The technology required to incorporate a lifelong battery for a GPS device small enough to fit into a mini microchip (yes, THAT small) is not currently available.

Q: What is the Pet Microchip Lookup Tool?

There is only one official Pet Microchip Lookup Tool . It is a free search engine operated by The American Animal Hospital Association. The website is HERE . It is free to use worldwide. Thousands of microchip numbers are entered and searched daily through the AAHA platform. It is the go-to destination for veterinarians, shelters, rescues, and others when they find a lost pet with a chip. They are looking for the registry where the owner has enrolled the pet. Note: the Pet Microchip Lookup system is NOT a database. It stores no info. It simply points the user to the Registry where owner info is stored. If a cat's chip is not registered, the lookup tool cannot find the owner. Note: All pets registered in our registry at BuddyID.com are automatically trackable in the Pet Microchip Lookup network.

Q: Does your Registry have live customer care?

Yes. And here is why: When a pet is lost, missing or stolen, an owner wants to talk to a real person. Circumstances vary. Conversation is required. Human minds need to be on task to get pets home fast. It is important to sort out the details. None of this can be achieved by a robotic registry. Our highly trained team knows how to help owners, vets and shelters who are dealing with a lost or found companion animal situation. Trained specialists are available by phone seven days a week. BuddyID.com – for Cats and Dogs.