In the early months of 2025, a US-based pet microchip company shut down, raising concerns about lost pets and their reunification with their owners. Both pet parents and animal shelters felt the impact of this event.
This unfortunate occurrence highlights the importance of maintaining an active pet microchip and what pet parents can do if their pet microchip company shuts down. This guide by Sploot Vets covers what you need to know about microchip shutdowns and what to do next.
Did Save This Life Microchip Shut Down?
Yes, Save This Life, a Texas-based pet microchip company, unexpectedly ceased operations in February 2025. The specific reasons for the company’s closing are not disclosed.
This shutdown disconnected the company’s data from national registries— meaning lost pets that have the microchip may no longer be linked to their pet parent’s contact information. This makes reunification with pet parents and ownership verification more challenging.
Shortly after shutting down, Save This Life was also disconnected from the AAHA Microchip Registry Lookup, an online tool that scans multiple participating pet microchip registries.
Are Pet Microchip Shutdowns Common?
Pet microchip company shutdowns are rare but when they do occur, they can have significant impacts on thousands of pets and pet parents. While there are numerous microchip providers that are well-established, shutdowns can happen due to issues related to finances, compliance, and so on.
Why Maintaining an Active Pet Microchip Matters
Having an active pet microchip is important due to the following reasons:
- It helps reunite lost pets with their pet parents after an accidental escape or displacement due to emergencies and natural disasters.
- It helps prevent euthanasia in case a lost pet is brought to an open-admission shelter that may resort to euthanasia for unclaimed pets.
- It serves as proof of ownership in cases of legal dispute.
→ Learn more - Debunking 12 Myths About Pet Microchipping [Vet Approved]
What to Do If Your Pet’s Microchip Company Shuts Down?
For this and any event of a pet microchip company shutting down, here are steps that pet parents can take:
1. Get Your Pet’s Chip Scanned [Or Scan It Yourself]
Scanning the pet microchip ensures that the chip’s number is retrievable. This is done using a universal microchip scanner, a device commonly used in vet clinics and animal shelters.
Once the scanner displays a number, write it down for future reference. However, if the chip can’t be scanned, call your vet. There may be issues with the chip’s hardware, or, though rare, the chip may have migrated to another part of the body.
Note: Pet parents can also get their own universal microchip scanner for home use. If you’re looking to get your own scanner, contact your vet for advice on the best brand and model to get, within a reasonable price point.
2. Check Your Pet’s Chip Number
Once you obtain the microchip number, it’s time to check if it’s still linked to your contact information.
If you're having your veterinarian check your pet’s chip, they’ll be able to check using one or more tools. The most commonly used tool is the AAHA Microchip Registry Lookup, since it searches across multiple major registries. This lookup tool is also available for anyone
Note: If your pet’s microchip starts with 991 or 900164, it's likely a Save This Life microchip, which means the number is likely not linked to your contact information anymore due to the company’s shutdown.
3. Re-register Your Pet’s Microchip
Save This Life microchips were registered with the inactive company but not manufactured by them—this means the hardware may still be functional. Therefore, if your pet’s microchip number is no longer working due to the company’s shutdown, re-registering the existing chip with an active registry is an option.
Note: Pet parents can also choose to register a pet’s microchip with more than one company for extra security.
Get Your Pet’s Microchip Checked at Sploot Vets
Whether you are facing uncertainty regarding your pet’s microchip or you just want to do a routine check, we are always here to help.
Sploot Veterinary Care is your trusted provider of all-in-one veterinary care, encompassing primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services. Pet microchipping is just one of the numerous services we offer in our vet clinics.
You can expect top-notch care from our experienced, Fear Free certified medical team, dedicated to providing next-level veterinary care. Visit us in one of our numerous modern vet clinics in Denver, Chicago, and Colorado Springs.
Book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app today! Till next time, we’re with you every pounce of the way.
