ChipTrace helps you investigate a pet microchip when the normal local search is not enough.
You enter a microchip number, and ChipTrace checks available databases, search networks and manufacturer information.
It then shows what was found, which databases were checked and what to do next.
Why ChipTrace exists
When a lost pet is scanned, the first check is usually made in the local or national database.
If the chip is not found there, the search becomes complex and sadly, often stops.
This is a problem when:
- The animal was microchipped in another country
- The chip uses a manufacturer code instead of a country code
- The registration is held in a private database
- The local database is not connected to international search networks
- The chip was implanted but never registered
ChipTrace continues the investigation after the first local search fails.
What ChipTrace does
ChipTrace can help you:
- Identify a possible country or manufacturer from the chip number
- Search connected pet microchip databases
- Show which databases were checked automatically
- Show databases that still need a manual search
- Find manufacturer or distributor information
- Choose the next sensible tracing step
How to use ChipTrace
- Scan the animal and write down the complete microchip number.
- Enter the number into ChipTrace.
- Check the possible country or manufacturer information.
- Review the databases already searched.
- Open any recommended manual searches.
- Follow the suggested contact route if no registration is found.
Always check the number carefully.
One incorrect digit will produce the wrong result.
What ChipTrace does not do
ChipTrace does not show private owner information.
It does not replace a vet, shelter, government service or official database.
It checks 100+ databases but like any other search tool, cannot guarantee that every possible registration has been found.
Some databases do not allow automatic searches.
In those cases, ChipTrace explains where to search next.
What if no registration is found?
A negative result does not always mean the pet is unregistered. Start
The record may be:
- In a database that cannot be searched automatically
- In a database that was unavailable during the ChipTrace search (always check the “Registries and Databases checked” section after a search)
- In another country
- Held by a veterinary clinic
- Linked to the manufacturer or distributor
- Stored under an incorrect number
ChipTrace provides manufacturer information and suggested contacts when possible.
Important: Always ask a vet or shelter to scan the animal again. The chip number may be incorrectly passed on or another chip may be present.
How manufacturer trace-back works
A microchip number can sometimes identify the manufacturer, distributor or organisation that supplied the chip. This does not normally reveal the owner’s details, but it can still provide an important next lead.
Manufacturers and distributors often keep records showing where batches of microchips were sent. These records may identify the country, veterinary clinic, shelter, rescue organisation, breeder or distributor that originally received the chip.
That can be valuable when no registration is found because the organisation that received the chip may:
- Know which registry was normally used
- Have its own implantation or patient records
- Recognise the chip as part of a particular batch
- Know which vet, shelter, breeder or rescue implanted it
- Be able to contact the registered keeper without sharing personal details
- Point you towards another organisation that can continue the trace
This is especially useful when the animal has moved between countries, the chip was never added to the expected registry, the registration details are outdated or the chip number was entered incorrectly somewhere.
ChipTrace shows manufacturer information and suggested contacts when reliable information is available. Some chip-number ranges are shared by several manufacturers, so an exact contact cannot always be identified.
Using the email template
When a suitable trace-back contact is available, ChipTrace may provide an email template below the contact cards. The template includes the microchip number and explains what information is needed.
To use it:
- Open the email template.
- Copy the complete text.
- Open your usual email app.
- Paste the text into a new message.
- Send it to the manufacturer, distributor or suggested contact shown by ChipTrace.
You can add where and when the animal was found, but do not publish or share the full microchip number publicly.
The contact may not be able to provide personal information. They may instead contact the registered keeper, identify the organisation that received the chip or tell you which registry should be checked next.
Who is ChipTrace for?
ChipTrace is designed for:
- Animal shelters
- Rescue organisations
- Veterinary clinics
- Dog wardens and municipal services
- People who have found a lost pet
- Owners checking a microchip record
Is ChipTrace free?
Yes. ChipTrace will always be free to use.
There are no user accounts, subscriptions or paid search results.
ChipTrace does not store or sell your data.
Important
ChipTrace is a tracing tool.
It helps you continue the search, but it does not prove legal ownership.
When an owner is found, follow the normal identity and ownership checks used by the relevant vet, shelter, rescue or authority.