Permanent Identification

Permanent Identification: Microchips & Tattoos

At Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven, we believe every pet deserves the best possible chance of returning home if they ever become lost.

Statistics show that 1 in 3 pets will go missing during their lifetime.

While a collars and identification tags are helpful, they are not foolproof — they can break, become damaged, or fall off. This is why permanent identification is essential.

Microchips are small, implantable devices that provide a permanent and tamper-proof means of identifying pets. Research has shown that pets with microchips are up to 20 times more likely to be reunited with their families compared to those without.

Tattoos are another valuable form of identification. Typically placed in the pet’s right ear, tattoos are coded to the veterinary clinic where the procedure was performed. Using the tattoo code guide, animal shelters and veterinary professionals can trace the tattoo back to the original clinic and begin the process of locating the owner.

Please note: The effectiveness of both microchips and tattoos depends entirely on the accuracy of the associated contact information.
If you change your phone number, address, or rehome your pet, it is essential to update your details with the veterinary clinic (for tattoos) and with the microchip registry.

Additional Recommendation: Any microchip or tattoo can also be registered or updated with the BC Pet Registry — a province-wide database that significantly increases the chances of your pet being returned to you if lost.

If you have questions or need guidance regarding your pet’s identification, please contact your veterinarian. They can assist you with checking, updating, or registering your pet’s microchip or tattoo to ensure the information is current and accurate.