Question
My dog got out of the yard, and someone took her to the shelter. She has a previous microchip registered to someone else, but I’ve had her for three years. Will this person automatically get my dog?
Answer
Many animal shelters do (and should) check for microchips. In fact, a few states and municipalities require that this be done. The animal will typically be returned to the person to whom the microchip is registered. However, if a shelter is provided with information demonstrating that the registrant is no longer the animal’s “parent,” the shelter should review the matter before relinquishing the animal. Therefore, it is very important to immediately contact the shelter. The registration should also be changed, although microchip companies may not be willing to do so without the registrant’s consent or evidence that the registrant rehomed the animal.
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