Lost Cat Microchips: Registry Checks and Identification
· 6 min read
Understand how a veterinary microchip scan and current registry records can help identify a possible lost-cat match. Microchips are not GPS trackers.
A microchip is the single most effective tool for reuniting a lost cat with its owner — far more reliable than a collar and tag. In Florida, microchipping is offered at most veterinary clinics and all county animal shelters, often for under $50. Here's everything you need to know.
How Pet Microchips Work
A pet microchip is a tiny radio-frequency identification (RFID) device about the size of a grain of rice, implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades. It contains a unique ID number that, when scanned by a universal RFID reader at any vet clinic or shelter, displays the registered owner's contact information from a national pet microchip database.
Universal Scanners in Florida
All Florida shelters and most veterinary clinics use universal scanners that can read all common microchip frequencies. If your cat is brought in — even to a clinic far from home — a microchip scan will identify them immediately. Florida law requires all shelters to scan incoming animals for microchips.
The Most Important Step: Register Your Chip
A microchip is useless if it's not registered in a current, active database. Many cats are microchipped but not registered — or registered with outdated contact information. Make sure:
- Your cat's chip is registered in a national database (AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup, PetLink, HomeAgain, 24PetWatch)
- Your phone number and email are current
- Your cat's chip is registered to you directly, not just to the vet clinic that implanted it
What to Do If You're Not Sure Your Cat Is Chipped
Take your cat to any Florida vet clinic for a free scan. If a chip is found, they can help you look up the registration and update it on the spot.
Our Cats Are Microchipped
RJ, Lisana, and Daisy are all microchipped and registered as ESAs. If any of these cats comes into your veterinary clinic, please scan the chip and call +1 (541) 390-2114 immediately. The registered owner will confirm identity. A $5,000 reward per cat is offered.