Finding a stray dog can leave you with a lot of questions. Does the dog have an owner? Who should you contact? Where do you start?
One of the most important steps in reuniting a lost dog with its family is checking for a microchip.
The City of Richardson recently announced three new public microchip scanning stations, making it easier for residents to check found pets for identification. It’s a timely reminder of how important microchips are, both for dog owners and for anyone who encounters a lost pet.
At Dallas Street Dog Advocates (DSDA), all dogs in our rescue are microchipped. It’s an important part of protecting the dogs in our care and helping them stay connected to their families.
What Is a Microchip and Why Is It Important?
A microchip is a tiny electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice, implanted beneath a dog’s skin. Each chip has a unique identification number that can be read with a microchip scanner and used to locate the appropriate registration database.
Unlike a collar or ID tag, a microchip provides a permanent form of identification that can’t easily be lost.
A microchip is not a GPS tracker. It won’t tell you where your dog is, but it can help someone identify and contact you if your dog is found.
Microchipping dogs is also required within Dallas city limits, with certain exceptions. Dallas pet owners are required to keep their microchip registration information current, including updating contact information within 30 days of a change.
Is Your Dog’s Microchip Information Up to Date?
Having your dog microchipped is only part of the equation. The registration information must also be accurate.
If your dog is already microchipped:
- Know your dog’s microchip number and which company maintains the registration.
- Make sure your phone number, email address, and other contact information are current.
- Update the registration if you move, change phone numbers, or adopt a dog whose microchip needs to be transferred into your name.
Not sure where your dog’s microchip is registered? The AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool can help identify the registry associated with the chip number.
If you don’t know the number, ask your veterinarian to scan your dog during your next visit.
Found a Stray Dog? Start With These Steps
If you find a stray dog in Dallas or elsewhere in North Texas, the priority is keeping yourself and the dog safe. Don’t approach or attempt to contain a dog that appears frightened, aggressive, or injured. Contact your local animal services department for assistance.
If the dog is safely in your care, checking for a microchip is an important next step.
Most veterinary clinics and animal shelters have microchip scanners and can help check for identification. Call ahead to confirm availability.
Microchip scanners aren’t limited to veterinary clinics and shelters. Some pet washes, pet-friendly businesses, and rescue volunteers also have them available.
If you’re active in a local Facebook group or on Nextdoor, someone in your neighborhood may know where a scanner is available. You don’t necessarily need to travel far to find help.
If a microchip is detected, the identification number can be entered into the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool to identify the appropriate registry. The registry can then help contact the dog’s owner.
If no microchip is found, that doesn’t mean the dog doesn’t have a family. Check for ID tags, report the found dog to your local animal shelter, and follow local found-pet procedures. Sharing information through neighborhood lost-and-found pet groups can also help reach a family searching for their dog.
Helping Lost Dogs Get Home
At DSDA, we know that finding a stray dog often comes with good intentions and a lot of uncertainty. Understanding how microchips work and knowing who to contact can help you take the right next steps.
For dog owners, that means making sure your pet is microchipped and your contact information is up to date.
For anyone who finds a lost dog, it means prioritizing safety, checking for identification, and working with local animal services to give that dog the best chance of returning home.