🔬 Cat Microchip Lookup

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:

1. Scan the cat for a microchip — to get the chip number.
2. Look up the chip number — in a registry database.
3. Contact the registry — they'll reach out to the owner.

Step 1: Get the Cat Scanned (Free)

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, no appointment needed.
• 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."

Step 2: Look Up the Chip Number

Once you have the 9, 10, or 15-digit chip number, look it up:

Universal Microchip Lookup (Free)

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) offers a free universal lookup tool that searches most major registries:

Major US Microchip Registries

If the AAHA lookup doesn't find the chip, check these registries directly:

International Registries

• 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:

• Call or use their online form — provide the chip number and your contact info.
• The registry contacts the owner — they don't give you the owner's info directly (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.
• The owner moved and didn't update contact info.
• The chip was implanted by a breeder or shelter but not transferred.

If the chip isn't registered:

1. Ask the vet or shelter where the chip was implanted — they may have records.
2. The chip number prefix indicates the manufacturer — contact them for the implanting clinic.
3. Contact the implanting clinic — they may have the owner's records.
4. If all else fails, register the found cat and post flyers.

Microchip Prefix → Manufacturer Reference

The first 3 digits of a microchip number indicate the manufacturer. Use this to identify who made the chip:

Note: This table covers common prefixes. For a complete list, contact the manufacturer directly.

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.