A collar tag can fall off. A leash can slip from your hand. A gate can be left open for just a moment.

That is why identification matters so much.

Microchipping has become one of the most reliable ways to help lost pets find their way home.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, pets with microchips are significantly more likely to be reunited with their owners than those without them.

But here is something many pet owners do not realize:

A microchip only works if the contact information attached to it is up to date.

If your phone number or address has changed and you did not update your pet’s microchip registration, the chip cannot help anyone reach you.

The most common reason microchips fail is not technology. It is outdated information.

Here are seven important times to review and update your pet’s ID tags and microchip records.

1. After You Move

Even a local move across town matters. If your pet becomes lost, shelters and veterinary clinics will use the address and phone number registered to the microchip to contact you.

An outdated address can delay or prevent a reunion.

Any time you change residences, update your pet’s microchip registry right away.

2. When You Change Phone Numbers

This is one of the most common oversights.

Many people switch cell phone carriers or drop a landline and forget that their pet’s microchip still lists the old number.

Make sure your primary phone number and at least one backup contact number are up to date.

3. After a Change in Emergency Contacts

Most microchip registries allow you to list a secondary contact person.

If your emergency contact has moved, changed numbers, or is no longer someone you would rely on, update that information.

Having a trusted backup contact can make all the difference if you are unreachable.

4. Following a Name Change

If you get married, divorced, or legally change your name, update your pet’s registration.

Shelter staff and veterinary teams rely on accurate records to verify ownership and ensure pets are returned safely.

Consistency between your identification and your pet’s registration helps avoid confusion.

5. When You Rehome a Pet

If you adopt a pet from a previous owner, confirm that the microchip has been transferred into your name.

Likewise, if you responsibly rehome a pet, make sure the new owner completes the transfer process.

A microchip should always reflect the current legal owner.

6. If Your Pet Spends Extended Time Elsewhere

If your pet stays seasonally at a second home or spends months with family members, consider adding alternate contact details tied to that location.

For example, snowbirds who divide their time between two states should ensure both locations are reflected in their contact information.

7. Once a Year, Just Because

Even if nothing major has changed, set a yearly reminder to verify your pet’s microchip registration.

Think of it like replacing batteries in a smoke detector. It is a small action that protects what matters most.

Many microchip companies allow you to log in online and review your information in just a few minutes.

A Quick Note About ID Tags

Microchips are permanent, but visible ID tags are still important.

A collar tag with your current phone number lets someone contact you immediately, without needing to visit a veterinary clinic or shelter for scanning.

In addition to traditional hanging ID tags, some pet owners choose collars with identification engraved directly onto the buckle or stitched into the collar itself.

These options reduce the risk of tags detaching during play or outdoor activities.

While no single method is foolproof, incorporating identification directly into your pet’s collar provides an added layer of security and visibility.

Using both visible ID and a registered microchip creates layered protection and increases the likelihood of a quick reunion if your pet becomes lost.

Keeping your pet’s identification up to date is not complicated, but it is powerful.

It turns a stressful situation into a solvable one. It gives shelters and veterinary professionals the tools they need to reconnect with families.

Most importantly, it gives you peace of mind.

A few minutes today can make all the difference tomorrow.

Your Pets & Horses are our Priority!

At the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), our number one priority is to promote the health and well-being of dogs, cats, and horses.

That is why we created the NASC quality programs and the NASC Quality Seal, which help you identify animal health and nutritional supplements from responsible suppliers committed to producing the highest quality, most consistent products available.

Visit our website to learn more and to see a list of NASC members who have earned the Quality Seal.