Dog Microchip Records: Keep the Number, Registry, and Contact Checks Together

A dog microchip record should connect the exact identifier to the correct dog and preserve where the chip is registered. Saving the number in Creatures helps organize identity evidence; it does not register the chip with a recovery service or update that service’s contact details. Use Identification in Creatures for the animal record and check the recovery registry separately.

A microchip is an identifier, not a GPS tracker. The American Veterinary Medical Association’s microchip FAQ explains why registration and current contact details matter. This guide covers the paperwork workflow, not implantation or veterinary procedure.

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Start with evidence, not a remembered number

Gather the implantation paperwork, registration confirmation, or a scan recorded by your veterinary practice. Check that the document belongs to this dog. Names can change after adoption or a transfer, so compare the available identity details and ask the issuing organization about discrepancies.

Copy the complete identifier carefully. Preserve leading zeros and distinguish letters from numbers where the source format uses them. If a photo is blurred, obtain a clearer source rather than choosing the character that seems most likely. Do not invent a number to finish creating a profile. Creatures accepts a 15-digit ISO number or a legacy 9-digit or 10-character ID. If yours is rejected, recheck the source rather than editing it to fit.

Keep the date and source of your confirmation in the notes. “Read from registration certificate” and “confirmed by scan at the practice” describe different evidence. One should not silently become the other. Use that checked identity when filing dog insurance records; a policy and a recovery registry answer different questions about the same dog.

Identify the registry and check the contact details

The AAHA microchip registry lookup identifies participating registries associated with a number. It does not display the owner’s private contact details. Use the registry’s own process to review or update those details.

After a move, new phone number, or change of ownership, check the recovery registration directly. A Creatures profile change does not make that update for you. Keep any confirmation you receive with the dog’s private paperwork.

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AAHA lists the most recent registry first. Start there and work down the list as its guidance directs; a result identifies a registry, not proof that its contact information is current. If you cannot find the paperwork or access the account, ask the veterinary practice, shelter, breeder, or registry for the documented recovery route. Do not share account passwords with a new caregiver.

Add the identifier in Creatures

Open the dog’s Records area and choose Add Record, then Identification. Select Microchip as the identifier type and enter the value. Notes can hold the registry name, the source of the number, and the date you checked the registration. Before attaching a photo or PDF, check visibility. Identifiers start public unless your account’s Default new records to private setting changes that default. Attached photos and files follow the identifier’s setting. Untick public visibility before saving paperwork containing addresses or contact information. Public identifiers and files can appear on the public profile and herdbook. Profile and record privacy are separate decisions.

Resolve a possible duplicate without creating another identity

If Creatures reports that the identifier already appears on another profile, stop and compare the evidence. The same dog may have a profile created by a previous owner or as a reference. A warning can also uncover a mistyped number.

Use the offered claim, merge proposal, or review route only after checking the match. Private profile details may remain hidden until the relevant owner approves. Do not alter a digit to avoid the warning, and do not treat a matching chip as permission to take over another person’s profile.

For the broader profile workflow, see adding an animal and the dog species guide.

Put a contact check into the care calendar

Create a reminder to review the registry details when appropriate, especially after a known contact change. The task is “check and update registration,” not “microchip verified forever.” Mark it complete after you have actually checked the registry.

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An illustrative record might say: “Number copied from the veterinary certificate; registry account checked today; current phone confirmed.” It does not need to publish the phone number to show that the work was done.

If a sitter needs instructions for a missing dog, give them the agreed contact plan and relevant information directly. The pet sitter handoff guide helps keep that information separate from public profile content. A good identity record supports the recovery process without pretending to replace it.

Identity checks can arise during boarding or breeding paperwork. The dog boarding guide covers the care arrangement, and the dog stud fee guide covers the separate breeding transaction; neither arrangement replaces keeping the registry contact current.

Do this next on Creatures

Start with the information and responsibility you already have. Choose the action that fits your role today.

• Keep an animal’s history together: Add your dog with the identity details you know. You can start while signed out and complete the free account steps in the flow.
• Record a real event: Add a record, choose the correct animal and check visibility. The form opens for visitors; a free account is needed to save.
• Follow availability: Save a dog listing alert. Visitors can enter an email and complete signup; an alert does not guarantee a match.
• Represent your work: If you manage a kennel or rescue, create its organization profile. Guest signup is available in that flow.
• Compare current listings: Browse dogs on the marketplace, then confirm the individual animal’s identity, history and suitability with the seller.
• Find organizations to contact: Explore the breeder directory and discuss records and ongoing support directly with the relevant organization.