Pet microchip questions, answered
Updated: · Kynologic Sp. z o.o.
Short answers to the questions we get most often — chip numbers, the lookup, privacy and registration. Just want to check a number? Go to the microchip lookup.
How many digits does a pet microchip number have?
A microchip number under the ISO 11784/11785 standard has 15 digits, for example 985 112 004 318 207 (an example). The first three digits are either a country code under ISO 3166-1 (616 — Poland, 276 — Germany) or a manufacturer code in the 900–999 range (such as 985, 981 or 900). Older chips sometimes had 9 or 10 characters; they are rare today. The DogWorldBase lookup accepts 15-digit numbers — spaces and dashes can be typed or left out.
Is the microchip lookup free?
Yes, for everyone and without an account. A finder, a vet, a shelter, an animal warden or someone buying a dog can check a number at no charge. Only registering your own animal in our registry is paid; clinics, shelters and public bodies in the partner programme register for free.
Will I see the owner's details?
No. The lookup never shows an owner's name, address or phone number — neither from our registry nor from partner registries. If the animal is registered in DogWorldBase, you send the owner an anonymous message, which they receive immediately by e-mail. If it is in a partner registry, we show that registry's name and contact details — they will notify the owner. Contact always goes through the registry, never straight to personal data.
What if the lookup finds no result?
No result only means the number is not in our registry or in the databases we query automatically. First check that the digits match the document or the scanner — one wrong digit gives an empty result. Then check the number by hand in your country's national registries (links are listed below the result). Found the animal? Report it to a vet clinic or a shelter. Your own dog or cat? Register the chip — without a database entry the number leads nowhere. More in Found a dog or cat?
Does the lookup work for cats?
Yes. Cats get chips in the same standard as dogs, so you check the number in exactly the same way. You can also register a cat in DogWorldBase — you choose the species when registering. The same goes for other animals with an ISO chip, such as ferrets.
Is microchipping compulsory?
It depends on the country, and sometimes on the municipality. In Poland a nationwide obligation to chip and register dogs and cats in the state register KROPiK takes effect on 11 June 2028; until then some municipalities require it locally. In Germany there is no federal obligation, while some federal states require it for dogs. In the European Union a chip is required for a pet passport and for travelling across borders with the animal. Rules change — check the current requirements with your local authority or vet. Whatever the law says: a chip without a registry entry will not bring an animal home.
Where do I find my pet's microchip number?
In the pet passport (the transponder number field), in the vaccination booklet, on the barcode sticker from the vet, or in the contract from the breeder or shelter. If you have no documents, any vet clinic can read the chip with a scanner in a few seconds. Details in Where to find a pet's microchip number.
How do I check if my dog's microchip is already registered?
Enter the number in the lookup. If you see a registry name, the chip is registered and you know where. If there is no result, also check by hand the registry your vet or breeder used, because not every database can be searched automatically. Step by step: Is my dog's microchip registered?
How do I change my details after moving or changing my phone number?
Log in and edit your details in the panel — the change takes effect immediately, at no extra cost. If the animal changes hands, transfer the entry to the new owner from the panel; the entry moves only once the other person accepts it. For an animal in a partner registry, you change the details with that registry.
What does lost mode do?
Once you report the animal lost in the panel, anyone who checks the chip number or scans the QR tag sees that it is missing and can message you with one click. At the same time we alert partner clinics and shelters that have agreed to receive such alerts. When the animal is back, you switch the mode off. What to do in the first 24 hours: Lost a dog or cat?
How much does registration in DogWorldBase cost?
A one-time payment of $13, with no subscription and no renewals — for the animal's whole life. The price includes a finder's page, anonymous chat, e-mail on every contact, lost mode with partner alerts, and transfer to a new owner. Breeders have registration packs; clinics, shelters and public bodies register for free. Register your dog.
What is the QR tag?
An engraved stainless-steel collar tag with a QR code that leads to the finder's page. Not everyone has a chip scanner, but everyone has a phone: the finder scans the code, sees the dog's name and photo, and you get a message with their location. It complements the chip, not replaces it. Available in the shop.