Pet Owners Advised to Check Microchip Registrations After “Save This Life” Closure
It was recently announced that the microchip company “Save This Life” abruptly and permanently closed. Official documents from the state of Texas show the company ceased operations, and pets with these chips may no longer have their registered information stored in the national registry. The implanted chips can still be read, but entries in the associated registry are no longer searchable. When we reached out, the company’s phone number was disconnected.
A member of our vet staff prepares to microchip a pup
Although it’s a regional-based company with a small registry, this is a good time to check your pet’s microchip. If the microchip number starts with 991 or 900164, then it is a “Save This Life” microchip. Otherwise, it is from another manufacturer.
There are more than 40 microchip companies across the United States, and the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County utilizes 24PetWatch. It is not immediately clear how many pets may be affected by the closure of “Save This Life.”
This incident is a good reminder to update the contact information associated with microchips or to get a microchip for your pets in the first place.
What Do You Need to Do?
If you’re unsure which company your pet’s microchip is registered to, you can look it up using your pet’s microchip ID number with the Pet Microchip Lookup.
If your pet has a microchip, but you’re unsure what the number is, you can stop by our shelter to scan your pet. We can tell you what company your pet’s chip is registered under, what the number is, and then you can easily re-register or update information if needed. You can also visit your local veterinarians, select pet supply stores, and shelters to scan your pet for a chip.
In addition to microchipping your pets, it’s essential to keep your contact information on their collar or tag. Too often, lost pets have neither a microchip nor visible identification—the two most effective ways to identify and help get them home. Ensuring your pet has both greatly increases the chances of a swift and successful reunion.
Why Microchips Matter
A pet getting scanned for a microchip
Microchips are tiny computer chips the size of a rice grain. They are injected under the skin, and are as painless and quick to receive as a vaccine. When a handheld scanner is passed over the pet, a unique microchip number is displayed. Using this number, the staff of a shelter, veterinary clinic, or other organization can get in contact with you.
Every year, the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County reunites hundreds of pets with their owners thanks to microchip technology. In fact, in 2024 alone, we reunited 1,024 pets with their families. Visible identification like tags or labeled collars are important; they should be worn by every pet. But unlike a tag, a microchip cannot be removed or lost and is often the last link between a lost pet and its owner.
We offer pet microchips for income-qualifying residents for just $25, which includes national registration. No appointment is necessary. The procedure takes only a minute and can be done anytime during business hours, seven days a week. Learn more here.
The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County encourages all cat and dog owners to have your pet microchipped and to check the information you have registered for your pets.
