Help! Can I Re-Register a Microchip? (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Dear Dr. Paola,
I adopted a dog called Remi that had been micro-chipped. Can I register that chip with another company? “ – Jane
Hi Jane,
Yes, you can absolutely register Remi’s microchip with another company, and in fact, this is often encouraged after adoption. A microchip itself is like a permanent barcode implanted under the skin, but it does not store ownership information on its own. That information lives in external databases, and many chips can be listed in more than one registry at the same time. Updating or adding your details ensures that if Remi is ever lost and scanned, the contact trail leads back to you rather than stopping at a previous owner or shelter.
What matters most is that the microchip number is accurately linked to your current contact information in at least one well-maintained database, ideally more than one. Reputable registries allow you to add yourself as the primary contact even if the chip was originally registered elsewhere, and most do not require changing the chip itself. Your veterinarian or the adoption organization can scan Remi’s chip to confirm the number and help you verify where it is currently registered.
Once updated, I recommend keeping your contact details current and including both a phone number and email, since studies consistently show that up-to-date microchip registration significantly improves reunion rates. Taking this step now is a quiet but powerful way to protect Remi’s safety and give both of you peace of mind.
Best,
– Dr. Paola