How to get your pet's microchip on record
Registering a microchip links the number implanted in your pet to your contact details, so a scan at a vet or SPCA branch leads straight back to you rather than nowhere. Registration in the United Pet Club pet registry is free for life, whether your pet's chip came from us or another supplier entirely.
What you need on hand before starting
Get your pet's microchip number ready first: fifteen digits, printed on the paperwork your vet gave you at the time of implantation, or visible on a scanner readout if your vet checks for you. You will also need your current contact details and a few basics about your pet, its species, breed, colour, and date of birth if you happen to know it.
Not sure whether your pet has a chip at all? Ask your vet to scan at your next visit, it takes seconds and most will do it as part of a routine exam without any extra charge. Once you have the number, registration works the same way regardless of which company's chip your pet carries.
Five steps to get it registered
1
Set up a free account
Sign up for a free United Pet Club account. This is where the registration, and any update you make afterward, will live.
2
Enter the microchip number
Type in the fifteen digits from your pet's paperwork or the scanner readout. Check each digit twice: get one wrong and a scan links to somebody else's record.
3
Add your pet's details
Name, species, breed, colour, and birth date if known. These details help a vet or SPCA branch confirm they have found the right animal.
4
Add your contact information
Phone number, email, and address, whatever you want a finder to use. This is what actually gets contacted when your pet is scanned, so keep it current.
5
Check the record and save
Look it over and save. Your pet's chip is now searchable in the United Pet Club pet registry, and you can come back at any time to update the details.
Keeping your registration current
A microchip only works if the contact details behind it are correct. Move house, change your number, or rehome your pet, and the registry should be updated the same day. Updates cost nothing and take effect right away.
Registering a dog or a cat works the same way, and our species guides cover the details: register a dog or register a cat. If your pet has no chip yet, you can still register your pet first and add the chip number later. Want to know exactly what the free lifetime plan includes before you begin? See free microchip registration.
Common registration questions
What is the process for registering a pet microchip in South Africa?
Register it free with United Pet Club: set up a free account, enter the fifteen-digit chip number, and add your contact details. It works with any brand of chip implanted by any South African vet, and the free lifetime plan covers registration plus every future update at no charge. It also works from any country, so you can sign up and keep the record current wherever you are.
How long does registering a microchip take?
Most owners finish in a few minutes, provided they have the microchip number and the pet's basic details on hand. There is no waiting period, the record is searchable as soon as you save it.
Can I register a microchip that a different company implanted?
Yes. Enter the microchip number from your pet's paperwork and it registers in the United Pet Club pet registry the same way a United Pet Club chip does.
What if I do not know my pet's microchip number?
Ask your vet or a local SPCA branch to scan for it. It is quick, painless, and most vets will check for a chip during a routine visit at no extra cost.
Do I need to re-register if I move or change my phone number?
No, there is no need to start over. Log in and update your existing record with the new contact details. The change is free and applies immediately.
Get your pet's microchip registered today
It only takes a few minutes, and it is free for the life of your pet.