Importance of Registering Your Pet’s Microchip
A few weeks ago, a big, fluffy white dog named Snoopy was found running loose near the Huntington Library in San Marino and brought to Pasadena Humane. He had a microchip, but unfortunately, it wasn’t registered, making it impossible to contact his owner, Xinyang, who was desperately searching for him.
Fortunately, Snoopy and Xinyang were happily reunited at the shelter, but this highlights a common issue: many pets have unregistered microchips. It’s crucial for pet owners to not only have their pets microchipped but also to register that chip with their contact information.
The Process of Reuniting Lost Pets
At Pasadena Humane, the process to reunite lost pets begins as soon as they arrive. They check for ID tags, scan for microchips, and cross-reference with lost pet reports. The team also uploads photos of incoming strays to their lost and found page and monitors other lost pet websites and social media groups.
Despite the efforts, only about 34% of stray dogs are reunited with their owners, which is in line with the national average but still disappointing.
Best Practices for Finding Lost Pets
If you find a lost pet, it’s best to try locating the owner before bringing them to a shelter. Walk the dog around the neighborhood and post on local social media channels. If unable to find the owner, call a local shelter for assistance.
For more tips on lost and found pets, visit Pasadena Humane’s website.
Chris Ramon is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane.
This article was originally published in the Pasadena Star-News on September 25, 2026.
