In this article we’re looking at the process of changing microchip details should your contact information change.
Microchip number
The first thing that you’ll need, and something that’s useful to have a record of anyway, is your cat’s microchip number.
You might find this:
- On paperwork given to you when your cat was microchipped
- On your pet passport, if they have one
- Pet insurance documents
- Veterinary records
If you can’t find the number or if you purchased the cat and weren’t provided with the details, you can call your vet or the professional that administered their microchip who might have a record of this. Failing this, you can take your cat to a vet or homing centre where they’ll be able to use a microchip scanner and find the number for you.
Database
Depending on the type or brand of microchip that has been implanted, your cat’s details could be on a number of different databases. Again, if you’re not sure of the database that their details will be on, you can call your vet or the professional that administered their microchip, or if they came from a homing centre they also may be able to tell you.
Alternatively, there are national databases that can tell you upon entering your microchip number. For example, in the UK this is check-a-chip https://www.check-a-chip.co.uk/ or identibase https://www.identibase.co.uk/
Updating your details
Once you have the microchip number and the database that it’s attached to, the process of changing the details is straightforward and can be done online.
There is generally a fee for changing your details. Some companies offer membership for unlimited changes and some charge each time.
Details should be updated whenever you change address or telephone number. If you can’t be reached using the information on the database, then the microchip is rendered useless.
For more information about microchipping see our Microchipping Advice Article.
