Microchip Company Shuts Down, North Carolina Pet Owners Urged to Act

Check to make sure your pet's microchip still works. People are freaking out after a chip company called Save This Life went under. The chips have to be re-registered through another company before they'll work again.

Lost Pet Recovery at Risk as Major Microchip Provider Closes

North Carolina pet owners are being urged to check their pets’ microchip registrations after a major pet microchip company, Save This Life, ceased operations, leaving countless microchipped pets potentially unprotected.

Animal shelters, rescues, and veterinary clinics across the country are warning pet owners that microchips registered with the now-defunct company may no longer be traceable in lost pet databases.

Why Microchipping Matters for North Carolina Pets

Microchips play a crucial role in reuniting lost pets with their families. However, with Save This Life shutting down, animals with chips registered to the company could be at risk of not being properly identified if they go missing.

“We’ve had pets come into our care with Save This Life microchips, and reaching the company has been difficult,” said Dan Cody, Executive Director of Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh. “If your pet’s chip is registered with them, you’ll want to update it immediately.”

Pet owners who are unsure which company their pets’ microchips are registered with can visit a local veterinarian, police station, or animal shelter to have the chip scanned. The microchip number can then be checked through the AAHA Universal Microchip Lookup Tool online.

How to Re-Register Your Pet’s Microchip

If you discover your pet’s microchip was registered with Save This Life, experts recommend re-registering with a reputable company to ensure your pet’s identification remains active. Trusted microchip registries include:

• AKC Reunite
• PetLink
• 24PetWatch

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has urged pet owners to check for microchip numbers starting with 991 or 900164, as these may be Save This Life chips that are no longer valid.

Take Action Now to Protect Your Pet

For North Carolina pet owners without microchipped pets, now is the time to get one implanted. Many shelters and veterinary clinics offer microchipping services, providing a permanent form of identification that can help bring lost pets home.

“We see lost pets come into shelters every day, and a working microchip can be the difference between a pet returning home or staying in the shelter system,” Cody said. “No matter what, take a few minutes to verify your pet’s microchip is registered and up to date.”

North Carolina pet owners are encouraged to act quickly to ensure their furry companions remain protected and easily identifiable in case they ever go missing.

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