Oct 1, 2025
Pet Microchip Registry Comparison 2025: Costs, Features, and What You Really Get
Finding the right pet microchip registry can be confusing – fees, memberships, and “free” claims vary widely. Here’s what you actually get from each of the major registries in the U.S., and how they compare to Pawbase.
What a Microchip Really Does
A pet microchip is about the size of a grain of rice (roughly 12mm) and is implanted beneath your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. The quick, painless procedure works much like a vaccination and takes only a few seconds.
Each chip contains a unique 15-digit identification number – a digital ID for your pet. When scanned by a vet or shelter, that number is used to look up your contact information in a registry database.
But here’s what many pet parents don’t realize: the chip itself doesn’t store your info or track your pet’s location. It simply provides a number that links to your registration record.
If your chip isn’t registered or your contact info is outdated, that microchip can’t help reunite you with your pet.
How the Lookup System Works
All reputable registries in the U.S. – including Pawbase, HomeAgain, 24PetWatch, AKC Reunite, PetLink, and 911PetChip (Free Pet Microchip Registry) – are connected to the AAHA Microchip Lookup Tool, the national standard used by shelters, animal control officers, and veterinarians.
When a pet is scanned, professionals enter the microchip number into the AAHA Lookup Tool, which identifies which registry holds the owner’s details.
Without this connection, a shelter would need to check each registry manually – increasing the risk of missing your information entirely.
That’s why it’s important to register your pet’s microchip with a registry that participates in the AAHA system.
Compare the Major Microchip Registries
Below is a comparison of the six most used registries across the U.S.
Pawbase
Cost: Free registration for any chip brand
Premium plan: $20/year (optional)
Free plan includes:
Lifetime registration for any microchip
Unlimited pets per household
Unlimited contact updates and transfers
Full mobile access through the Pawbase app
Premium adds:
Real-time GPS scan alerts (time & location)
Instant lost-pet poster generator
Free Pawbase smart collar tag linked to your pet’s profile
Why Pawbase stands out:
Pawbase is a modern, mobile-first registry built for today’s pet owners. You can register any chip, manage your pet’s info, and get notified if your pet’s chip is scanned — all from your phone. Pawbase is fully connected to the AAHA Microchip Lookup Tool, ensuring your pet can be found by any vet or shelter.
HomeAgain
Cost: $19.99 initial registration
Optional membership: $24.99 per year
Included with registration:
Lifetime enrollment in the HomeAgain National Pet Recovery Database
Lifetime updates to owner contact information
Notification when your pet is found and scanned
Premium membership adds:
Rapid Lost Pet Alerts sent to HomeAgain’s professional network (not directly to you the owner)
Personalized Lost Pet Poster for print or online
Travel assistance if your pet is found 500+ miles from home
Access to a 24/7 medical hotline
Summary:
HomeAgain provides a widely recognized recovery database used by clinics and shelters. Registration remains active even without the annual upgrade.
AKC Reunite
Cost: $19.50 one-time registration (no annual renewal)
Overview:
AKC Reunite offers lifetime registration and allows pet owners to update contact information at no cost. It’s a straightforward registry connected to the AAHA Lookup Tool and backed by a long-standing national brand.
24PetWatch
Cost: $119.95 lifetime registration
Or $59.95 per year
Included with plans:
24/7 lost-pet recovery services
Veterinary helpline
Travel assistance for found pets
Promotional credits: $30 Rover discount + $25 Petco coupon with membership
Summary:
24PetWatch offers registration through paid protection plans only. Plans include live support, recovery coordination, and partner discounts. The registry is AAHA-connected.
PetLink
Cost: $29.95 one-time lifetime registration fee
Included with registration:
Lifetime enrollment in the PetLink national database
No annual, renewal, or update fees
Online, phone, or mail registration options
24/7 access to update contact details and report lost pets
Overview:
PetLink provides lifetime registration for a one-time fee and allows pet owners to update their information at no cost. It’s a straightforward, long-established registry connected to the AAHA Microchip Lookup Tool, making it easily searchable by vets and shelters nationwide.
911PetChip (Free Pet Microchip Registry)
Cost: Free registration
Overview:
911PetChip provides a simple, website-based registry where pet owners can enter their chip number and contact information at no cost. There are no paid tiers, mobile tools, or extra features – just a basic listing in their database, which is AAHA-connected.
Summary:
A minimal, no-frills option suitable for anyone looking for basic registration without add-ons or an app experience.
Do you have questions about these registries or about microchipping your pet in general? Reach out to us here.