How to Find Your Pet's Microchip Number
Start here
You can find your pet's microchip number three ways: on your paperwork, from your vet's records, or by having your pet scanned. The number is a unique 9-, 10-, or 15-digit ID. If you can't locate it on documents, any vet, shelter, or animal control office can scan your pet in seconds — and once you have it, you can look up (and fix) the registration.
Check your paperwork first
The fastest place to look is the documents you already have:
- Adoption or purchase paperwork from a shelter, rescue, or breeder.
- The microchip implant certificate or registration confirmation you got when the chip was placed.
- Your pet's vaccination or veterinary records, which often list the chip number.
- Pet insurance documents, which sometimes include it.
The number is usually labeled “microchip,” “chip ID,” or “transponder” and is 9, 10, or 15 digits long.
Ask your vet or shelter
If the paperwork's gone, your veterinarian almost certainly has the microchip number in your pet's file — a quick phone call or portal check usually turns it up. The shelter or rescue you adopted from is another good source, since they often chip pets before adoption and keep records.
This is often the easiest route if you know who implanted the chip or where you got your pet.
Have your pet scanned
If no records exist, the definitive method is a scan. A microchip scanner reads the chip through the skin and displays the number instantly and painlessly. You can get this done at:
- Your veterinary clinic
- Most animal shelters and rescues
- Animal control offices
It's usually quick and free or low-cost. A scan also confirms the chip is present and working, and can catch a chip that has migrated slightly from its original spot between the shoulder blades.
Then look up the registration
Once you have the number, don't stop there — check that it's registered to you. Enter the number in the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup (petmicrochiplookup.org). It tells you which registry the chip is enrolled with (such as AKC Reunite, HomeAgain, or PetLink), so you can log in and confirm or update your contact details.
A number you can't find in any registry means the chip was never registered — fix that right away.
Save it so you never hunt for it again
The best time to record your chip number is now, while your pet is home and safe — not in the panic of a pet going missing. Write it somewhere you'll actually find it later.
Tavi tip: Store your pet's microchip number right in Tavi, alongside their health records, so it's always a tap away if a shelter or vet asks. You can also scan the microchip certificate into the app so the original document is saved too.
Frequently asked questions
How many digits is a pet microchip number?
Microchip numbers are typically 9, 10, or 15 digits. The 15-digit format follows the international ISO standard and is the most common today. Copy it down exactly, including any leading zeros — a single wrong digit will break the link when someone tries to look up the registration.
Can I find the microchip number without going to the vet?
Often yes — check your adoption paperwork, the implant certificate, or your pet's vet records, which usually list it. If none of those have it, you'll need a scan, which any vet, shelter, or animal control office can do quickly. There's no way to read the number without records or a scanner.
Is scanning for a microchip painful for my pet?
No. The scanner is a handheld device passed over your pet's skin, usually near the shoulder blades. It reads the chip through radio waves without any contact or discomfort — similar to scanning a barcode. It takes only a few seconds and is completely painless and safe.
I found the number but it's not in any registry — what now?
That means the chip was never registered, which is common. Register it yourself: pick a registry (the AAHA lookup can suggest which ones accept your chip), create an account, and enter the number with your current contact details. An unregistered chip can't reunite you with a lost pet.
Tavi's guides are informational and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. When in doubt, call your veterinarian. Sources: American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Universal Pet Microchip Lookup; American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA); AKC Reunite; PetLink
All guides