Losing a pet is one of the most distressing experiences an owner can face. In the UK, microchipping has become the most reliable and legally recognized way to reunite lost animals with their families. At the heart of this system sits pet microchip databases — and Identibase is one of the most widely used. This Identibase guide explains how the system works, how to use it properly, common mistakes to avoid, and what actually improves your chances of being reunited with your pet.
Many people assume that once a microchip is implanted, their responsibility ends. In reality, the chip only works effectively if it is registered correctly, kept updated, and linked to accurate contact details. This guide walks you through the entire process in clear, practical terms so you can protect your pet properly.
What Identibase Is in Simple Terms
Identibase is a UK-based pet microchip database that stores microchip numbers along with the registered keeper’s contact details. When a stray or lost animal is found, vets, rescues, and local councils scan the chip and check which database holds the owner’s information. If the chip is registered with Identibase, they can quickly retrieve the keeper’s details and make contact.
It is crucial to understand that Identibase does not track pets via GPS. A microchip is not a tracking device. It does not show where your pet is or where it has been. Its only function is identification once the animal has already been found and scanned.
In this Identibase guide, you should think of Identibase as a secure digital ID card for your pet — not a locator. Its job is to connect a found animal to a real person as quickly as possible.
How Microchip Scanning Works in Real Life
Identibase’s primary purpose is to reunite lost pets with their owners. Whether your pet has slipped out of the house, gone missing while on a walk, or is found in a local animal shelter, Identibase ensures that any pet with a registered microchip can be traced back to its owner. Animal shelters, vets, and local authorities across the UK use Identibase to identify lost pets and contact their owners, making it a crucial tool in pet recovery.
If you need a reliable veterinarian in Southlake, local clinics are ready to assist with check-ups, vaccinations, and any pet medical concerns. These professionals help ensure your pet receives proper care close to home, offering convenience and peace of mind for pet owners.
The speed at which a pet can be returned depends on how quickly the microchip can be scanned and the owner’s details retrieved from the Identibase database. This swift process significantly increases the chances of reuniting with your pet, especially in cases where the pet might be found far from home or in a busy area. With thousands of professionals using Identibase daily, pet owners can rest assured that their pets are in safe hands, and the chances of a speedy reunion are high.
How to Check if Your Pet Is Registered on Identibase
Many owners do not actually know which database their pet is registered with, especially if the chip was implanted years ago by a breeder, rescue, or previous owner.
Identibase provides an online microchip lookup tool where you can enter your pet’s 15-digit chip number. This will tell you whether your pet is registered with Identibase or another database such as Petlog, Chipworks, or SmartTrace.
This step is especially important for rescue adopters or people who have taken ownership of a pet from someone else. Simply having a microchip is not enough — you must ensure the record is in your name.
Registering a Pet on Identibase (Step-by-Step in This Identibase Guide)
If your pet is newly chipped and not yet registered, you can create a record on Identibase by linking the microchip number to your personal details.
You will typically need to provide:
- Your full name
- Current home address
- Primary phone number
- Email address
Take extra care when entering this information. A single mistake — such as a wrong digit in your phone number — can prevent you from being contacted if your pet is found.
Basic registration on Identibase is free. Owners are not legally required to pay for any premium services — only to ensure their pet’s microchip is properly registered and kept up to date.
Why Keeping Your Details Updated Is Critical
One of the biggest failures in the microchip system is not the technology — but outdated owner records. Thousands of pets every year cannot be reunited because their owners moved house or changed phone numbers without updating their microchip details.
Identibase allows you to log in to your account and update your information at any time. This responsibility lies with the pet owner, not the vet who implanted the chip.
A good rule from this Identibase guide is:
Check your pet’s microchip details at least once a year or immediately after any major life change such as moving home or changing your phone contract.
Transferring Ownership on Identibase
When a pet is rehomed, adopted, or sold, the microchip record must be transferred to the new keeper. Identibase provides a transfer of keepership process for this purpose.
In practice, this can sometimes be complicated. Problems often arise when:
- The previous owner is unresponsive
- A rescue delays paperwork
- A breeder is difficult to contact
In such cases, Identibase may require proof of ownership, such as veterinary records or adoption paperwork.
Failing to transfer ownership properly can create serious issues. If the pet goes missing, the old owner may be contacted instead of you — which could delay or even prevent a reunion.
Identibase+ — What It Really Means
Identibase offers an optional service called Identibase+. This is not required by law and does not make your microchip work better.
What it mainly provides is additional lost-pet support, such as:
- Extra tracing assistance
- Notifications
- Dedicated case handling
Some owners like this added layer of support, while others feel the standard free registration is sufficient. The key point in this Identibase guide is that Identibase+ is optional, not mandatory.
Fees, Complaints, and Common Owner Issues
One of the most discussed aspects of Identibase is its fee structure. While initial registration is free, certain administrative actions — such as transferring ownership — may involve charges.
Some pet owners have complained that these fees were not clearly explained at the time of registration. Others report difficulties logging into their accounts or resolving disputes over ownership changes.
On the other hand, many users praise Identibase for helping them recover lost pets, especially in complex cases involving rescues or legal disputes.
The takeaway is simple: Identibase works well when owners understand how the system operates — but confusion can lead to frustration if expectations are unclear.
What to Do If Your Pet Goes Missing (Practical Steps)
If your pet disappears, act quickly:
- Check and update your Identibase record immediately.
- Contact local vets, rescues, and your council dog warden.
- Ask them to scan any stray animals they receive.
- Share posts in local lost-pet groups and community pages.
While social media can help, the microchip remains the most reliable official method of identification.
Identibase Compared to Other UK Databases
Identibase is one of several recognized UK pet microchip databases. Others include:
- Petlog
- Chipworks
- SmartTrace
- Animal Microchips
All of them perform the same basic function — storing your pet’s microchip details. The main differences are in user experience, website design, and fee policies.
In this Identibase guide, the most important point is: it does not matter which database you use — what matters is that your details are correct and current.
Using the Identibase App
The Identibase mobile app allows you to:
- View your pet’s microchip record
- Check registration status
- Update contact details
This is particularly useful if you travel frequently or move house. However, remember that the app does not track your pet’s location — it only manages your records.
Owners who regularly use the app tend to have fewer problems with outdated details.
How to Contact Identibase for Help
Identibase provides customer support via phone and email for issues such as:
- Registration problems
- Ownership transfers
- Lost pet cases
Speaking directly to a support advisor is often faster than relying only on online forms. Their main office is based in York, and they work closely with vets and councils across the UK.
Why Identibase Matters for Responsible Pet Ownership
Microchipping is now a legal requirement for dogs in England, Scotland, and Wales. Databases like Identibase make this law meaningful by ensuring that microchips are actually connected to real people.
A properly maintained microchip record can be the difference between a joyful reunion and a permanent loss. Responsible ownership therefore means not just chipping your pet — but actively managing that information.
Frequently Asked Questions (From This Identibase Guide)
Is Identibase free to register with?
Yes, basic registration is free.
Can I update my details anytime?
Yes — you can log in and change your information.
Do I need Identibase+?
No. It is optional.
What if my pet is already chipped?
Use the lookup tool to see which database holds your details.
Can I transfer ownership myself?
Yes, through Identibase’s transfer process.
Will Identibase track my pet if lost?
No — microchips do not provide GPS tracking.
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