No one likes to think about their dog getting lost, but if it ever happens, you want every tool working in your favor to bring them home. One of the most reliable tools is your pet’s microchip. That’s why it’s important to know that a major microchip company, Save This Life, has recently shut down. If your pet is chipped through them, now is the time to take a closer look.

What Happened to Save This Life?

Save This Life, a Texas-based microchip provider, suddenly closed without warning. Phone lines were disconnected, emails sent to the company bounced back, and their business status is now listed as inactive on the Texas Secretary of State’s website. The company was removed from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Microchip Registry Lookup tool, which is used to help reunite lost pets with their families.

If your pet’s microchip is registered with Save This Life, the contact info linked to the chip may no longer be accessible. That means if your furry friend were to get lost and someone scanned their chip, the scanner might not lead them back to you. This news has left many pet owners confused, and veterinary offices across the country are doing their best to spread the word.

Why This News Matters

A microchip works like a digital ID tag under your pet’s skin. On its own, it just holds a number. That number needs to connect to a working registry that contains your contact information. Since Save This Life shut down, its database is no longer functional, which cuts off that connection. If your pet has one of these chips, it may no longer serve its main purpose. The good news is that you can fix the problem pretty easily now that you know!

What You Should Do

Here’s how to make sure your pet’s microchip is still working as it should:

  1. Find your pet’s microchip number. You can check your vet records or ask your veterinarian to scan your pet.
  2. Look up the chip. Go to the AAHA Microchip Registry Lookup tool online and type in your pet’s number. It will show you which company the chip is registered with.
  3. If it shows “Save This Life”, change the chip’s registration. You will need to re-register the chip with a working provider. Some trusted options include 24PetWatch, AKC Reunite, HomeAgain, and PetLink. Several of these services make registration quick and affordable, and some are even free.
  4. Update your contact information. If your chip is already with another company, take a minute to make sure your contact details are current. This small step can make all the difference in an emergency.

Staying One Step Ahead

Millions of pets go missing in the United States each year. While collars and ID tags can fall off, a microchip is meant to stay with your pet for life. But it only works if the registration is active and accurate. Even if you are not affected by this closure, it is a great reminder to check your dog’s records periodically. A few minutes looking into this today can bring peace of mind and save valuable time in the future if your pet ever goes missing.

The sudden shutdown of Save This Life has caused a lot of confusion, but it also gives all pet parents a reason to double-check their microchip info. If you are not sure who your pet’s chip is registered with, or if you haven’t looked at those records in a while, now is the time! It’s a small step that can make a huge difference in keeping your furry friend safe.