Every year, thousands of pets go missing in the United States, leaving families searching and hoping for a miracle. National Chip Your Pet Month shines a spotlight on a simple, effective step every pet owner can take to protect their furry family members – microchipping. This month-long campaign is about making sure more lost pets find their way home, and fewer families face heartbreak.

What is National Chip Your Pet Month?

Imagine the relief of a lost dog reunited with its family because of a tiny microchip. National Chip Your Pet Month is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of microchipping pets. It encourages pet owners, shelters, and veterinarians to prioritize this quick procedure, which gives pets a permanent form of identification. The campaign highlights real stories – like the cat found hundreds of miles from home, brought back thanks to a microchip scan – and supports all pet owners in taking this life-saving step.

When is National Chip Your Pet Month?

National Chip Your Pet Month takes place every May across the United States. Throughout the month, animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and pet advocacy groups offer information sessions, discounted microchipping events, and share resources online. It’s a time when communities come together to protect pets and spread the word about microchipping’s benefits.

Why National Chip Your Pet Month Matters

For many, pets are family. But every year, millions of dogs and cats end up in shelters – and only a fraction are reunited with their owners. Microchips make a difference: according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs with microchips are more than twice as likely to be returned home, and cats are over twenty times more likely. The stakes are real – a microchip can mean the difference between heartbreak and a joyful reunion. National Chip Your Pet Month isn’t just about awareness; it’s about giving pets a voice and a way home.

How to Get Involved in National Chip Your Pet Month

Whether you’re a pet owner, work at a shelter, or simply care about animal welfare, there are many ways to support this cause:

  • Schedule a microchipping appointment for your pet if you haven’t already.
  • Check and update your pet’s microchip registration details – correct contact info is essential.
  • Host or promote a local microchipping event in your community or workplace.
  • Share educational posts and success stories on social media to raise awareness.
  • Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to consider microchipping their own pets.

History of National Chip Your Pet Month

National Chip Your Pet Month was launched by American animal welfare organizations in the early 2000s, as microchipping technology became more accessible. The movement grew out of real concern from shelters and veterinarians who saw too many pets lost without a way home. Over the years, partnerships with local clinics and pet supply stores have expanded the reach, making microchipping a standard part of responsible pet ownership in the US. What began as a simple campaign has become a national call to action, saving countless pets and bringing families back together.

Noteworthy Facts About National Chip Your Pet Month

  • Over 10 million pets are lost or stolen in the US every year.
  • One study found that microchipped cats were over twenty times more likely to be returned home than non-microchipped ones.
  • Microchipping is a quick, nearly painless procedure that can be done at most veterinary clinics and animal shelters.
  • Microchips do not track your pet’s location – they act as a permanent ID, readable by special scanners.
  • Some shelters offer discounted or free microchipping during May to encourage participation.

Hashtags

#ChipYourPet, #NationalChipYourPetMonth, #PetSafety

Event Information

Event Date

May 1, 2026

Event Category

Event Country

United States

National Pet Travel Safety Day
National Fig Newton Day

Related Events

Transform Your Marketing with the Awareness Toolkit

Discover how over 5,000 marketing professionals are enhancing their campaigns with our comprehensive toolkit. Elevate your content strategy and achieve greater engagement.