Every pet owner hopes they will never experience the panic of a missing pet. Unfortunately, thousands of dogs and cats become lost every year. While collars and ID tags are important, they can be removed, break, or become unreadable. A microchip provides something far more reliable; it is a permanent form of identification that can reunite pets with their families when everything else fails.

That’s why August is recognized as Check the Chip Month, a reminder that having a microchip is only part of the equation. The information connected to that chip must also be accurate and up to date.

At the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC), we have seen countless joyful reunions made possible by a microchip. We’ve also experienced the heartbreak of finding a microchipped pet whose owner could not be reached because the phone number had changed, the address was outdated, or the chip had never been registered. In those cases, a pet and its family may never be reunited.

A Microchip Is Your Pet’s Permanent ID

A microchip is a tiny electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted just beneath your pet’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. The procedure is quick, safe, and no more uncomfortable than a routine vaccination.

The chip does not contain your personal information or track your pet’s location. Instead, it contains a unique identification number that can be read by a scanner at animal shelters and veterinary clinics. That number links to a secure database containing your contact information, allowing animal care professionals to contact you if your pet is found.

Why “Check the Chip” Matters

Many people assume that once their pet is microchipped, they’re protected for life. In reality, a microchip is only as effective as the information attached to it.

Take a few minutes this month to:

• Confirm your pet is microchipped.
• Verify which company manages your pet’s microchip registration.
• Update your phone number, address, and email if anything has changed.
• Add an emergency contact who can be reached if you’re unavailable.
• Ask your veterinarian to scan the chip during your pet’s next visit to ensure it is functioning properly.

These simple steps can make the difference between a pet spending days, or even weeks, in a shelter and being reunited with their family within hours.

Every Second Counts

When a lost pet arrives at one of DACC’s animal care centers, one of the first things staff members do is scan for a microchip. A current registration often allows us to contact an owner immediately, reducing stress for both the pet and the family while helping preserve valuable shelter resources.

A quick reunion is especially important during emergencies such as wildfires, floods, earthquakes, or other disasters, when pets can become separated from their owners with little warning. In those situations, a microchip may be the only reliable way to reconnect families.

Don’t Forget the Collar

Microchips and visible identification tags work best together. An ID tag allows a neighbor to contact you immediately without taking your pet to a shelter or veterinary clinic, while a microchip provides permanent identification if the collar is lost or removed.

A Small Investment with Lifelong Benefits

Microchipping is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your pet. It lasts a lifetime, requires no batteries or maintenance, and provides peace of mind every day your pet is by your side.

This August, celebrate Check the Chip Month by taking just a few minutes to verify your pet’s information. It’s a small task that could make all the difference if your beloved companion ever goes missing.

Because when every moment counts, a current microchip can help turn a frightening experience into a happy reunion.

Marcia Mayeda

You can subscribe to Marcia’s blog here: Director’s Blog

The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 charity that raises money to support DACC in its mission of saving animals and keeping pets and families together. Learn more at www.lacountyanimals.org.