Don’t be shy. Read over some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) from pet owners and their animal care professionals about microchipping. If you have a question that isn’t below, don’t hesitate to write to us!

Registration Questions

How do I register my pet?

For new owners:

  • Click on the red “Register Your Pet Now” found on the homepage or Click “Register/ Login” located at the top right corner, and select “Register/ Login”.
  • Click the tab that closely matches your situation.
  • Follow the instructions given to fill in all the owner and pet information.
  • Provide payment to complete the registration (if required).

For existing owners:

  • Login to your account using your email and password (hit the Forgot Password button to reset your password in case you have forgotten it).
  • Click the red “Add More Pets” found on the top right or select “Add New Pet”.

How much does it cost to register my pet?

PetLink microchips sold by PetLink veterinary partners include a Free Lifetime registration. This includes Free account updates for the life of the pet as well. If you adopted a pet from a shelter/rescue, this does not guarantee any Lifetime registration or prepaid chip.

If your pet’s microchip did not come prepaid, you will be required to pay a one-time fee of $29.95 to complete your microchip’s registration. No annual renewals required!

If you prefer to register by phone, please call 1-877-PETLINK (1-877-738-5465). You may be charged a $4.95 fee for operator assistance.

How do I add additional pets to my owner account?

You may add as many pets as you want to your account. Each pet must have a valid 9, 10, or 15-digit microchip number.

  • Login to your account.
  • Click the red “Add More Pets” found on the top right or select “Add New Pet”.

Petlink will then prompt you with the next steps to complete registration.

How do I input the breed for a mixed/specialty breed or pet?

Chugs, Puggles, Chiweenies, Labradoodles, the list goes on! In order to ensure we have the closest possible description of your pet.

Under breed type, select “Mixed Breed”.  If you are not sure of the exact breed types, select “Feral/Stray” or “Unknown”.  From there, select up to 3 breeds from the dropdowns that most resemble your pet.

Do I have to register with the pet registry suggested by my veterinarian?

No, PetLink will accept any valid 9, 10, or 15-digit microchip number.

How will I know my pet's microchip is registered?

After your registration has been completed, you will receive a confirmation email from PetLink.

What do I do if my pet's microchip is already registered?

A microchip number already being registered could be for a variety of reasons:

  • You received the incorrect microchip number.
  • Key-stroke error when inputting the microchip number.
  • A shelter or veterinarian may have registered the pet on your behalf.
  • Someone has already registered the microchip number.

If you think someone has registered their pet under your microchip in error, please contact PetLink directly by emailing us at petlink@petlink.net.

Why should I microchip and register my pet with PetLink?

Microchipping is a reliable, permanent, one-time service that helps give you peace of mind for your pet’s lifetime. This peace of mind is nearly useless if the microchipped pet is not registered in a database such as PetLink. With accurate registration associated with the unique microchip number, a lost animal can be traced back to its owner as soon as it’s scanned. In the event of a lost & found pet emergency, the PetLink support team is available by phone 24/7/365 at 877-PET-LINK (738-5465).

What type of registration is included with my microchip?

Your pet’s microchip has 1 of 3 registration options attached to it:

  1. Premium Lifetime Registration – The $24.95 registration fee has been prepaid on your behalf by your veterinarian or shelter organization. No additional fees are required.
  2. Basic Lifetime Registration – Your pet’s first year with their microchip has been prepaid by your veterinarian or shelter organization. You get unlimited free updates for basic information (address, phone number, email) within that first year. You will be notified on your 1-year anniversary that the one-time registration fee of $24.95 is required.
  3. No Registration – No registration has been purchased in advance. There is a onetime fee of $29.95 required for lifetime registration.

In all cases, there are no monthly or annual fees associated with your PetLink registration!

How do I upgrade from Basic to Lifetime registration?

PetLink will periodically notify you when your Basic Registration is due to expire. To upgrade your pet to Lifetime Registration, follow these steps:

  • Login to your PetLink account.
  • If a pet’s registration is due to expire, or has expired, please click the highlighted link next to the pet’s name that reads “Upgrade” or “Expired – Pay Now”.

Once your payment has been accepted, you will receive a confirmation email. No annual fees required.

Does PetLink offer a Microchip Certificate for proof of registration?

Yes, to print your Microchip Certificate from PetLink.net, follow these steps:

  • Login to your PetLink account.
  • Select the pet you would like a certificate for.
  • Click “more” and select “Petlink certificate”.
  • Click on “download as PDF” to review the file or select “print”.

Login Questions

I cannot login, what do I do?

Login issues can sometimes result from your browser. First, we recommend that you try clearing your browser history or “cache” to see if that resolves the issue. On a PC, do so by selecting Control + F5. On a Mac, go to “Finder”, click on “Macintosh HD”, select “Library”, select the Cache folder and delete its contents; then empty the trash.

If clearing your browser history did not work, you might want to try downloading another free Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome, or use your computer’s pre-loaded Internet browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Apple Safari. In most cases using a different browser will correct any issues you are having with your login.

Also, make sure your password is correct. Click on the “Forgot Password” prompt and enter your email address in the appropriate field. Your password will be sent to the email address used to create your PetLink account. Please check your spam filter settings to ensure you receive email from PetLink.

For assistance, please email us at petlink@petlink.net.

How do I retrieve my user name?

Your username is the email address that you used to set up your PetLink account. If you do not remember it, click the Forgot Login button.  Enter your microchip ID and we will use that to find your account and send an email to the account that is being used.

If you do not remember your microchip ID or if your email is no longer active, please email us at petlink@petlink.net for further assistance.

How do I retrieve my password?

If you do not remember your password, click the Forgot Password button. Re-confirm your username/email address, then a link to change your password will be sent to that address.

Please note that PetLink will only be able to send you a New Password link if the email your provided matches the email registered to your account.


Lost/Found Questions

How can PetLink help if my pet is lost?

If your pet is lost, contact PetLink as soon as possible to report the lost pet. You may call us at 1-877-PETLINK (1-877-738-5465) or file a Lost Pet Report online. Additionally, you may create a Lost Pet Poster from your account to post in your area. You can also share your lost found report on multiple social media platforms and post your lost pet report on our Lost Pet Gallery

When your pet has been found, you will receive an email/phone call immediately with details of the finder/rescue organization holding the pet.

What should I do if my pet is lost?

Contact PetLink immediately to report your pet as lost. You can call us at 1-877-PETLINK (738-5465) or file a Lost Pet Report online.

You can also login to your PetLink account and create a Lost Pet Poster to put up in the area where your pet was last seen. As soon as your pet is found, we will immediately get in touch with you by phone and email.

For a step-by-step list of things you should do when your pet is lost, read this.

I found a pet, what are the next steps?

Bring the pet to a local veterinary clinic or shelter/rescue organization to be scanned for a microchip.  If the pet is microchipped, please file a Found Pet Report online, or call 1-877-PETLINK (1-877-738-5465).  PetLink will reach out to the owner as soon as the pet is reported found.

What if my pet is found and PetLink can't reach me?

It is imperative that pet owners keep their contact information up-to-date in their user profile. Prior to filling out a Lost Pet Report, review your information to make sure the fields are accurate.

PetLink asks that every owner registered on their database provide alternative contacts in the case of an unreachable owner. They may be a relative, a friend, or a veterinarian. PetLink will call/email these individuals if the owner cannot be reached.

PetLink will make repeated attempts for up to 72 hours to contact an owner or alternative contact in the case of a lost pet.


Using PetLink


Questions About Microchips

How to implant and register a microchip? (video)

What happens if the implanted microchip doesn't work?

In the unlikely event that your PetLink microchip stops working after it is implanted, please have your veterinarian contact PetLink at petlink@petlink.net.

Will the microchip wear out and need to be replaced?

The microchip is passive, which means it does not have an internal battery. When a microchip scanner is passed over it, it is powered by the scanner and will transmit the pet’s ID number. The same microchip will last through your pet’s lifetime.

Is microchipping painful for my pet?

Microchip implantation is no more painful to pets than a flu shot is to a human. A PetLink microchip is as small and thin as a grain of rice and is easily implanted without anesthesia.

Can the microchip migrate or move around after implantation?

When properly implanted, the microchip should not migrate more than an inch or so.  If for some reason the microchip has migrated to another part of your pet’s body, check with your vet to ensure your pet is not in danger.

Does a microchip work like a GPS? Why can't I get a physical location for my lost pet?

Microchips cannot be used as tracking devices. They are a form of identification that can be checked with a microchip scanner by a veterinarian or shelter organization.

Can all animals be microchipped?

Microchips can be implanted in just about all species of animals. For more information, visit the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s website, or ask your local veterinarian.

What if my pet has 2 microchips?

In the event of 2 microchips being implanted into an animal, they will not interfere with each other or effect the way the pet is scanned.  Because of its rarity, veterinarians and shelter organizations don’t typically continue to look for a microchip once their reader has detected one.

We recommend that you keep both microchips registered in the PetLink database.  You never know which will be detected first!

Microchipping your horse for an FEI Passport

Beginning Jan. 1, 2013, all American horses newly registered with the FEI must be microchipped (2012 FEI Article 1011.1.2.3). The microchip must be ISO 11784/5 compatible, and all microchip information must be entered in the horse’s passport and reported to the Unites States Equestrian Federation (USEF). This requirement applies to initial FEI registration only. Datamars SLIM microchips comply with these regulations.


Veterinarians and Animal Professionals

How do I register my veterinary practice with PetLink?

Only licensed vets and/or members of their teams can register animal hospitals, clinics, or practices with PetLink. Pet owners can list a veterinarian as an Additional Contact on their account if the practice does not have a PetLink profile.

Only the veterinarian can choose to complete a registration on his or her own behalf. You may sign up your veterinary hospital, clinic, or practice by clicking this link.

How do I register my shelter, rescue or humane society with PetLink?

Animal shelters, rescues and humane societies can be registered as Animal Professionals with PetLink. Pet owners can list such a facility as an “Additional Contact” on their account if the practice does not have a PetLink profile.

Only the animal professional can choose to complete a registration on his or her own behalf. You may sign up your shelter, rescue, or humane society by clicking this link.

What is the Guardian Feature?

PetLink’s unique Guardian Feature is offered when you enroll your pet owners in your PetLink Animal Professional Account or via one of our many software partners. This feature tracks all implanted microchips back to your organization, and permanently ties your organization’s contact information to every pet you register into PetLink. If the pet becomes lost or found, you and the pet’s owner will be alerted via email.


General Questions

Can I buy a replacement plastic collar tag?

The red or blue plastic collar tag you received when you purchased your microchip is only available during the original purchase. However, you can purchase a variety of different collar tags from the PetLink Store that include your pet’s microchip number.

How do I contact PetLink for other assistance?

You may contact PetLink by emailing us at petlink@petlink.net or calling us at 1-877-PETLINK (1-877-738-5465)

Are PetLink microchips ISO compliant?

All PetLink microchips are ISO compliant to standards ISO 11784 and ISO 11785.

If I cancel my PetLink registration, can I get a refund?

We may cancel your PetLink registration if requested. We cannot issue a refund if one of the following situations occurs:

  • Your pet has passed away.
  • The registered owner has passed away.
  • Your pet was returned or rehomed.
  • You wish to register with another microchip database.

We will do all we can to assure that your request is fulfilled in any other circumstance.

Can my transfer of ownership request be denied?

In the event of the previous owner contests the transfer, we will place the transfer request on hold until a member of our Support Team can contact all interested parties to confirm this request is valid.