Have you checked your cat's microchip contact details lately?

[Sparklingbrook]

I have just reunited someone with their cat after it went missing for 8 months. I took it to the vets to be scanned. There was a chip but the phone numbers and address were out of date. Fortunately their email was current.

Then I realised I had had a new mobile phone ages ago and never updated the microchip company for my own cat.

Microchips are brilliant aren't they but only if the details are kept current.

[Wolfiefan]

When we moved it was on the list of people to inform!
Shame vets can't check details when cats go in for vaccinations every year.

[Sparklingbrook]

I just had to pay £6 to literally change one mobile phone number so I guess that's a bit offputting.

When I took Sparklingcat for her boosters they checked the chip was working but it seems to be held by Identichip who deal with admin.

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

I've just checked mine and it's up to date, the only thing wrong is my name but I can't change that without calling them. At the moment it's Mrs Maiden Name, but I should remember if I get a call!

[cozietoesie]

I didn't realise that it cost that much to change a number, Sparkling.

Having said which, we've been reunited twice with straying animals (one dog and one cat) and they're only cheap in the first place. I'd still consider it good value - for us at any rate.

[Sparklingbrook]

Yes, I didn't mind paying if it meant the difference between getting the call and not but as I changed it myself on a computer screen not sure where the admin bit comes from.

[cozietoesie]

Probably a general defrayal of costs. I've always foundered trying to work out how they kept those companies going with a limited one-off charge.

[cozietoesie]

I recall when the dog - who'd just got himself spooked and bolted in a strange place - was found, the kennel maid turned away in (almost) disgust at his antics and said 'Oh well - it's clear he's yours! . I guess he'd thought he'd been abandoned. Money doesn't count too much in that sort of situation.

[Fluffycloudland77]

I always get them to check its active at booster time. Our details haven't changed at all.

[cozietoesie]

Good thinking that. It's easy done.

[Weedsnseeds1]

I get an annual e-mail reminder from the company and if anything has changed you just call and they change it. No charge.

[Trustyourself2]

Yes, but thanks for asking.

[cozietoesie]

Well done, Trust. Many people don't bother. (Or don't have it done in the first place.)

[Sparklingbrook]

I am guessing once your pet is chipped you can't swap the company? Sparklingcat was chipped by the rescue before we got her in 2010.

[cozietoesie]

I have no idea, I'm afraid - but like you, I guess not.

[WinkyisbackontheButterBeer]

My friends dog was reunited with its owners five years after it went missing thanks to its microchip. Wonderful things.

Thank you for the reminder, I am pretty sure that our cat's are up to date but will be checking in the morning.

[Toddlerteaplease]

My friend had to pay £16 to get the details changed when he adopted his girls. I had to nag him for ages to do it. I was panicking that they'd go missing in the meantime.

[WhoKn0wsWhereTheTimeG0es]

I've never checked ours, I know they are still in place because the microchip catflap works, but never checked the details. I can't remember exactly but I'm sure we would have done the paperwork as part of the adoption from Cats Protection. I'll get them checked next time we go to the vet.

[GinAndOnIt]

Thank you for this - my mobile number was out of date! Must get DP to check GinDog's chip too.

[Sparklingbrook]

I think it's mobile phone numbers that change the most. If Sparklingcat had gone missing the landline was still ok and my email. So hopefully all would have been ok. But mobile number is better.

[WhoKn0wsWhereTheTimeG0es]

I've never changed my mobile number, neither has DH so should be ok but as I don't remember doing it when we got the cats I'd better check.

[YesItsMeIDontCare]

When I registered Leroy I paid (I think) £15 or something like that for unlimited lifetime changes to records. I'm glad I did - we're moving house at the end of this month!

[GinAndOnIt]

I didn't have to pay to change the record, but now I'm worrying I haven't done it right!

[Sparklingbrook]

I think different chip companies have different charges maybe. Mine is Identichip.

[YesItsMeIDontCare]

I've just checked - Leroy has an identichip chip, registered on Anibase and it was the Locate services I signed up to for £15 (I think) which gives unlimited changes.

[Youallpissmeoff]

This is a related question but I have always wondered if they have super fancy chips with GPS tracking for hugely expensive animals. Like that Grumpy Cat who is worth millions. Surely he can be tracked?