How Microchip Lookup Works
A microchip is a tiny RFID chip (about the size of a grain of rice) implanted under a cat's skin. It contains a unique ID number. The number is registered with a microchip registry — a database that links the chip number to the owner's contact information.
To find an owner, you need to:
- Scan the cat for a microchip — to get the chip number.
- Look up the chip number — in a registry database.
- Contact the registry — they'll reach out to the owner.
Step 1: Get the Cat Scanned
You can't read a microchip at home — you need a scanner. Fortunately, scanning is free at:
- Any veterinary clinic — most will scan for free.
- Animal shelters — they scan every animal that comes in.
- Animal control officers — they carry scanners in the field.
- Some pet stores — special events may offer free scanning.
- Rescue organisations — many have scanners.
Just call and say: "I found a cat and would like to have it scanned for a microchip." Most places will do it immediately, no appointment needed.
Step 2: Look Up the Chip Number
Once you have the 9, 10, or 15-digit chip number, look it up in a registry. There are multiple registries, and you may need to check several:
Universal Microchip Lookup (Free)
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) offers a free universal lookup tool that searches most major registries:
- Website: www.aaha.org → "Pet Microchip Lookup"
- Enter the chip number.
- It tells you which registry has the chip.
- You then contact that registry directly.
Major US Microchip Registries
If the AAHA lookup doesn't find the chip, check these registries directly:
- HomeAgain (homeagain.com) — one of the largest US registries.
- AKC Reunite (akcreunite.org).
- PetLink (petlink.net).
- FoundAnimals (found.org).
- Avid (avidid.com).
- 24PetWatch (24petwatch.com).
- Petkey (petkey.org).
International Registries
For chips registered outside the US:
- UK: PetLog (petlog.org.uk), AnimalTracker (animaltracker.co.uk).
- Canada: petlynx.net.
- Australia: NSW Pet Registry, Central Animal Records.
- EU: Europetnet (europetnet.com).
Step 3: Contact the Registry
Once you know which registry has the chip, contact them:
- Call or use their online form — provide the chip number and your contact information.
- The registry contacts the owner — they don't give you the owner's contact info directly (for privacy).
- The owner then contacts you — to arrange pickup.
This process usually takes a few hours to a day.
What If the Microchip Isn't Registered?
Sometimes a cat has a microchip but it's not registered to an owner. This happens when:
- The owner never registered the chip (common with adopted pets).
- The owner moved and didn't update their contact info.
- The chip was implanted by a breeder or shelter but not transferred to the new owner.
If the chip isn't registered:
- Ask the vet or shelter where the chip was implanted — they may have records.
- The chip number prefix indicates the manufacturer — contact them for the implanting clinic.
- Contact the implanting clinic — they may have the owner's records.
- If all else fails, register the found cat and post flyers — the owner may be searching.
What to Do While You Wait
While waiting for the registry to contact the owner:
- Register the found cat on Cat Reunite with a photo.
- Post in local Facebook lost-and-found pet groups.
- Post on Nextdoor.
- Notify shelters and vets within 5 miles.
- Put up flyers.
- Check lost cat reports to see if anyone is looking for this cat.
What to Do If You Find the Owner
When the owner contacts you:
- Verify ownership — ask for a photo of the cat or describe unique markings.
- Meet in a safe, public place — not at your home.
- Don't give the cat to anyone who can't prove ownership.
- Update your found-cat report — mark the cat as reunited.
Should You Keep the Cat While Searching?
If possible, yes — keeping the cat safe is better than leaving it outside. But:
- Keep the cat separate from your pets — it may carry diseases or be aggressive.
- Provide food, water, and a litter box.
- Take the cat to a vet for a health check if you plan to keep it more than a few days.
- If you can't keep the cat, take it to a shelter — they can hold it and scan for a chip.
The Bottom Line
Microchip lookup is free and fast. If you find a cat, the first thing to do is have it scanned — you could reunite a cat with its owner within hours. And if the chip isn't registered, don't give up — post a found cat report and the owner may find you.
Lost your cat? Make sure your microchip is registered and current. Read our guide: How to Find a Lost Cat Without a Microchip.
