Many people trust microchips to keep their pets safe. A chip the size of a grain of rice does not carry owner details, but it holds an identification number that connects to a registry. A quick scan leads a shelter or clinic to the information of a lost pet’s family.

That process breaks down when a microchip company shuts its doors, which has recently happened with Save This Life, USA Today reports. Confusion often follows for veterinarians, shelters, and owners. Many pet lovers face questions about their animals’ safety because of a sudden corporate halt.

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A high-profile microchip provider vanished without warning.

Microchips do not store personal data, so a functioning registry is vital. The abrupt closure of Texas-based Save This Life removed a key link in that chain, Morning Brew reports. Phone lines and email addresses went silent. Some panicked owners discovered that the number on their pet’s chip connected to a nonworking service.

Microchips that begin with 991 or 900164 might be tied to the defunct provider, Futurism reports. Pets with these chips are still safe, but the database no longer provides owner contact details.

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Microchips do not contain personal details, only numeric codes.

Why This Matters to Veterinary Practices

Clinics and shelters often rely on immediate access to registration data. Staff scan a found pet’s microchip number to see if it matches a registry in a central lookup tool. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) hosts one of the most popular tools, AAHA reports.

Save This Life had once participated in that universal system, but search attempts began to fail. AAHA disconnected the company from its microchip registry search and advised veterinarians to check whether their patients had Save This Life chips. That’s when veterinarians across the country began to reach out to pet owners about next steps for re-registration.

Many clinics share the same advice: confirm the chip number with a veterinarian or local shelter, then move that information to another active service. Dozens of microchip companies still operate in the United States, USA Today reports. Several options exist for those seeking a new registry. One provider even offered free registration to owners who lost coverage, though that program was temporary. Experts suggest prompt action so a found pet does not encounter a dead end when a shelter or veterinarian attempts a microchip lookup.

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Tens of thousands of pet records may be inaccessible.

A Glimpse at the Corporate Shutdown

Company tax records show Save This Life lost its right to do business in Texas. The closure involved a possible tax forfeiture, The Washington Post reports. Owners who try to contact the company receive an out-of-service message. Emails bounce back or trigger automated replies. Some clinics and shelters have tried to purchase the defunct company’s data, but phone calls have gone unanswered. Without official statements, owners worry about the fate of the chip numbers in that dormant database.

Microchip experts point out that these devices do not hold personal details. They only broadcast a numeric ID. This means the chip itself remains usable, but the pet’s contact information must exist in a living database. That difference clarifies why microchips still work physically, yet a closed registry cuts off the final link between lost pets and their families.

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The AAHA has disconnected the closed registry from its lookup tool. 

Action Steps for Pet Owners

Veterinarians recommend an in-office scan to confirm a pet’s chip number. If it traces back to Save This Life, a second registry can adopt the number. The American Animal Hospital Association’s tool provides an overview of active services. Shelters and clinics also keep lists of microchip companies. Registrations with alternate providers ensure a pet’s contact details remain accessible, even if one company goes dark.

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Swift action can keep cherished companions safe and traceable.

Looking Ahead

Pet owners who lose faith in a microchip company face choices about data management. A for-profit corporation can shut down at any moment. Digital property rights questions arise because clients expect lifetime access. The best solution is a backup plan.

Clinics suggest annual checks during wellness visits. A staff member can confirm that the chip still pulls up accurate data. That habit helps owners maintain peace of mind.

Lost pets deserve a direct route home, and microchips uphold that promise when the right database remains available.