Frequently Asked Questions

Microchips are the only permanent, reliable way to identify a lost pet. If your pet goes missing, a microchip helps to identify it so it can be reunited with you as soon as possible!

A microchip is a rice-sized radio frequency identification device (RFIC) quickly and painlessly inserted under your pet’s skin. It is not a GPS but a permanent form of ID that can be registered in 24Petwatch’s recovery database, which holds information about the pet and its owner.

Trained staff is available to implant microchips at Baytown Animal Services during normal business hours. Additionally, most vets can perform the procedure while your pet is awake and usually complete it during a routine visit. 

Baytown Animal Services ensures that your dog or cat is microchipped before adoption and automatically registered once you receive it. However, if you’re acquiring a pet somewhere else, please check with that organization or individual to see if the pet is microchipped and automatically registered to you once you receive it. 

Baytown Animal Services ensures that your dog or cat is microchipped before adoption and automatically registered once you receive your pet. However, if you’re acquiring a pet somewhere else, please check with that organization to see if the pet is microchipped, if it’s automatically registered, and if it’s automatically registered with you once you receive it. 

If the pet is microchipped but not registered to you automatically, you can register your microchip online.

It’s recommended to update information on your microchip any time there’s been a change in phone number, email address, or physical location. As a safeguard, checking your and your pet’s information on the microchip annually is recommended. That is the only way to ensure your pet can reunite with you as soon as possible if lost.

Yes, if you live in the city of Baytown, microchips are mandatory for each pet. Pet parents can be fined if their pets are not in compliance. Please check with your city or county animal services to see if your area requires them.

No. The City of Baytown’s microchip provider and registry, 24Petwatch, will not release your personal information to Good Samaritans without express consent, in accordance with Texas House Bill 2828.

If your pet is found, 24Petwatch will automatically contact you via an automated phone call, email, and text message if there is information on your lost pet. 24Petwatch will release pet parent and pet information to animal welfare professionals as they attempt to reunite you with your pet. 

Report the pet as missing with 24Petwatch. Log into your microchip account and mark your pet as “Lost.” You should also post your pet on Petco Love Lost and on groups such as Nextdoor, Facebook, or PawBoost.