What Information Is Stored on a Pet Microchip?

One of the most common misconceptions about pet microchipping is that the chip itself stores your address, phone number, and pet's name. It doesn't. Understanding the difference between what's on the chip and what's in the database is crucial — and it explains why registration is just as important as the chip itself.

What the Chip Actually Contains

A pet microchip is a passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) device. It contains no battery and no moving parts — it's activated by the radio frequency emitted by a scanner. The chip stores exactly one piece of information:

The chip does not store:

• Your name or address
• Your phone number or email
• Your pet's name, breed, or age
• Any medical history
• Any GPS location data

So Where Does the Owner's Information Live?

In a database — maintained by a registration provider like Petchip Global — that links the chip number to your contact details. When a vet scans a found dog, they retrieve the 15-digit number, then search it in one or more databases to find the owner's name, phone number, and address.

This is exactly why registration is not optional. The chip number without a database entry is worthless for recovery purposes — it's like a locker key with no locker.

What Information Is Stored in the Registration Database?

When you register with Petchip Global, the following information is stored and linked to your chip number:

Does a Microchip Use GPS?

No. This is another very common misconception. A pet microchip is a passive device — it has no battery and no ability to transmit a signal independently. It can only be read when a scanner is held close to it. It provides no location tracking whatsoever.

If you want to track your pet's location in real time, you need a separate GPS collar tracker — a completely different product from a microchip.

Why Keeping Your Details Up to Date Matters

Since all the useful information lives in the database (not on the chip), the database is only as good as the data you put into it. If you:

• Move house and don't update your address
• Change your phone number without updating your registration
• Change your email and the database still has the old one
• Give the pet to someone else without transferring the registration

...then the chip becomes effectively useless for recovery. The vet will find the chip number, search the database, and contact someone who no longer owns the pet — or call a number that's been disconnected.

Is My Information Safe?

Reputable database providers like Petchip Global store your data securely and only display contact details to users who enter the correct, full microchip number. This means only someone with physical access to a scanner (and therefore the dog) can look up your details — your information isn't publicly browsable.