Microchipping and lost pets
The chip is not the point. The database entry behind it is the point, and most lapsed ones are lapsed for the same reason.
What a microchip is and is not
A chip the size of a grain of rice sits under the skin between the shoulder blades. Scanned, it returns a number. That number means nothing on its own — it only works if it is linked to a current entry in a pet database with a phone number that still works.
The single most common failure
People move house or change phone number and never update the chip registry. The pet is found, scanned, and the number leads to a disconnected line. Updating takes five minutes and is the most valuable five minutes in this article.
Check yours today
Confirm you know the chip number, that it is registered to you rather than the breeder or rescue, and that the phone number and address are current. Most databases let you check and update online. Registration requirements vary by country — in the UK, microchipping is a legal requirement for dogs and, since 2024, for cats.
Collars still matter
A chip needs someone to take the animal to a vet or warden. A visible tag with a mobile number means the neighbour who finds your dog can call you in the next two minutes. Use both. For cats, a quick-release safety collar is essential to avoid snagging injuries.
The first 24 hours
Search close first. Frightened cats usually hide within a few houses of home rather than travelling. Check sheds, garages, under decking and inside neighbours' outbuildings — and ask people to look inside, not just to keep an eye out.
For dogs, think wider. Dogs cover ground quickly. Alert local vets, wardens and rescue centres immediately, since found animals are usually taken there.
Post it locally. Neighbourhood social media groups and local lost-pet pages are how most pets are found. Include a clear photo, the area, and your number.
Leave familiar scent outside. Their bed and litter tray near your door can help a hiding cat orient home.
Go out at quiet times. Late night and early morning, calling gently and then listening. A frightened cat may only respond when it is silent.
Prevention
Take clear photographs from several angles now, including any distinctive markings — a good photo is what makes an online post effective. Note the chip number somewhere you can find it quickly. And check that a cat flap or gate that has worked for years still latches properly.
Cats with outdoor access account for most lost-pet searches, so the access decision and the microchip record are worth reviewing together. Indoor vs outdoor cats →
Common questions
Does a microchip track my pet's location?
No. It is not GPS. It stores a number that appears when scanned, which is then matched to your details on a database. If you want live location, that requires a separate GPS collar tag.
What should I do first if my cat goes missing?
Search very close to home — frightened cats usually hide within a few houses rather than travelling. Ask neighbours to check inside sheds, garages and under decking, and go out to call and listen during the quietest hours.
Do I still need a collar and tag if my pet is chipped?
Yes. A tag lets whoever finds your pet phone you immediately, whereas a chip requires them to reach a vet or warden with a scanner. For cats, use a quick-release collar to avoid snagging.