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Microchip Company Shuts Down NC Pet Owners Urged to Act

This is a result of the Microchip Identification Number (MID) being changed to a new format.

The Great Microchip Migration

The Problem

In 2022, the company that managed the global microchip database, AFTCO, announced that it would be discontinuing its services. This left pet owners with a significant problem: their microchipped pets may no longer be traceable in lost pet databases.

The Solution

To address this issue, the International Association for Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) partnered to create a new company, PetData, which would take over the management of the global microchip database. However, this new company would require microchips to be re-registered in order to work again.

The New Format

The Microchip Identification Number (MID) has been changed to a new format, which means that microchips registered with the now-defunct AFTCO may no longer be traceable in lost pet databases. This change has caused confusion among pet owners, who are now required to re-register their microchips through PetData.

The Process

  • The process of re-registering microchips involves several steps:
      • The microchip must be scanned to retrieve its current MID. The MID must be updated to the new format. The microchip must be re-scanned to verify its new MID.

        This raises concerns about the loss of a vital service that has helped countless pets find their way back home.

        The Importance of Microchipping in Pet Reunification

        A Brief History of Microchipping

        Microchipping has been a cornerstone of pet reunification for over two decades. The first microchip was implanted in a cat in 1988 by a British veterinarian, Dr. Peter Piot.

        The Importance of Microchip Registration

        In the event of a lost pet, a microchip can be a lifesaver. However, for the microchip to be effective, it must be registered with a reputable organization.

        The microchip identification system is a crucial tool in animal welfare, and its impact is felt across the entire animal welfare community.

        The Importance of Microchip Identification

        A Lifeline for Lost Pets

        Microchip identification is a vital tool in the fight against animal abandonment and the subsequent loss of pets.

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