How does the microchip system work?
Every animal that enters our shelter is scanned for a microchip. The
handheld scanner picks up the chip number, which we then enter into our
computer system. The computer searches for the corresponding pet's record, and displays that owner's name and contact information. We then call
the owner and reunite them with their pet.
Important!
The microchip number is entered in our computer system, cross-referenced to
your pet's
license number. You must renew your pet's license each year, and notify
us of any address or phone number changes.
If you do not license your
pet each year, the microchip information may not remain in our computer
system. Please note that annual licensing is legally required for all dogs
within Thurston County and cats in Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater. If you decide not to license your pet, you have the option of
registering the microchip number with the chip company for a fee.
Contact the appropriate microchip company at
AVID or
HOME AGAIN.
How do I know which chip
my pet has?
Check the documentation that was given to you at the time your pet was
chipped. If you have misplaced the documentation, please check with
the clinic that chipped your pet. Typically, an AVID chip has 9 numbers and
Home Again has 10 alpha-numeric digits.
If you have further
questions, please call us at (360) 352-2510.