For Nebraska pet owners, a microchip is more than just a tiny implant, it’s a lifeline. It ensures that if a pet goes missing, they can be identified and reunited with their family. But recent developments surrounding Save This Life, a once-popular pet microchip registry, have raised concerns about whether pets registered with the company are still protected.
While Save This Life’s website remains online, its customer service phone number is disconnected, its social media presence has been inactive for over a year, and frustrated pet owners report being unable to update their information. These troubling signs suggest the company may be shutting down, or at least, no longer maintaining its database properly.
If your pet’s microchip is registered with Save This Life, taking action now could mean the difference between a lost pet returning home or being stuck in a shelter with no way to contact you.
What Is Save This Life?
Save This Life was founded in 2012 as a pet microchip registry with a unique approach: instead of requiring pet finders to contact a call center, the company allowed microchip numbers to be searched on Google, directing people to a secure page with the owner’s contact information. This method was marketed as a faster and easier way to reunite lost pets with their families.
Over the past decade, thousands of veterinarians, shelters, and breeders used Save This Life microchips, which means many Nebraska pet owners could be affected if the company is no longer operational. However, the company has provided no official statement regarding its current status.
Do Microchips Actually Help Reunite Lost Pets?
Yes, and the data proves it. According to a study by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), microchipped dogs are more than twice as likely to be reunited with their owners compared to those without chips, while microchipped cats are over 20 times more likely to return home.
- Dogs without microchips: Only 22% were returned to their owners.
- Dogs with microchips: 52% were reunited.
- Cats without microchips: Only 2% were reclaimed.
- Cats with microchips: 38% made it back home.
However, a microchip is only as effective as its registration. If an owner’s contact details are outdated or the database becomes inactive, the microchip becomes useless. This is why the uncertainty surrounding Save This Life is so concerning.
Another ASPCA survey found that 15% of pet owners lost a pet within a five-year period, but of those who were microchipped, the majority were successfully recovered.
Microchips save lives—but only when they’re properly registered and accessible. That’s why it’s critical for Nebraska pet owners to verify their pet’s microchip information now.
The Mounting Evidence of Save This Life’s Closure
Disconnected Phone Line
Save This Life’s customer service phone number, (855) 777-2447, is no longer in service. Calls to the number receive an automated message from Verizon Wireless stating, “Your call cannot be completed as dialed.”
A disconnected phone line is often an early sign that a company has shut down or is no longer maintaining customer support services.
No Official Announcements or Social Media Activity
Despite multiple reports of their closure, Save This Life has not issued any public statement confirming their current status.
- Their website remains active, but it is unclear whether new registrations or updates are still being processed.
- The company’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X accounts have been inactive for over a year with no recent updates.
Customer Complaints and Unanswered Requests
Recent reviews on consumer protection sites, pet forums, and the Better Business Bureau indicate that pet owners have been struggling to contact the company. Complaints describe:
- Inability to reach customer support.
- Difficulty updating microchip information.
- Concerns that their pet’s registration may no longer be valid.
Google Business Listing Marked as Permanently Closed
Further adding to the uncertainty, Save This Life’s Google Business listing now shows the company as “Permanently Closed.” However, it’s important to note that Google’s algorithm can mark businesses as closed if enough users report it—even if the company has not officially confirmed a shutdown or made the status change.
While this status is not definitive proof of closure, it aligns with the other troubling signs, such as the disconnected phone number and lack of communication.
Website Still Listed in Microchip Lookup Tools
The AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool, which shelters and veterinarians use to check microchip registration, still lists Save This Life as an active database. However, this does not guarantee that the company is maintaining its records or responding to inquiries.
Check your pet’s microchip status here: www.petmicrochiplookup.org
Why This Matters for Nebraska Pet Owners
A microchip is only useful if it is registered in a functioning database. If Save This Life is no longer operational, then pets registered with them may not be identifiable in an emergency.
If a lost pet’s microchip cannot be traced back to its owner, it increases the risk of:
- Extended shelter stays due to difficulties contacting the registered owner.
- Permanent separation if the pet is rehomed or adopted.
- Euthanasia in overcrowded shelters if a pet remains unclaimed for too long.
Because Nebraska has a mix of rural areas and busy cities, lost pets can travel long distances before being found. Having a reliable microchip registration is essential to ensuring a quick reunion.
What Nebraska Pet Owners Should Do Now
Check Your Pet’s Microchip Number
If you are unsure where your pet’s microchip is registered, enter the number into the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool: www.petmicrochiplookup.org
If your pet’s chip is linked to Save This Life, assume that the database may no longer be reliable.
Re-Register with a Trusted Microchip Provider
To ensure your pet’s information remains accessible, consider registering the microchip with another database. Many microchip registries accept any brand of microchip, regardless of where it was originally registered.
Some reputable alternatives include:
- HomeAgain – www.homeagain.com
- AKC Reunite – www.akcreunite.org
- Found Animals Registry (Free) – www.foundanimals.org/microchip-registry
Verify Your Contact Information
If you re-register with a new provider, double-check that your phone number, email, and address are correct. Many pets remain in shelters simply because an outdated phone number prevents contact with the owner.
The Verdict: Act Now to Protect Your Pet
Save This Life has not officially confirmed a shutdown, but the disconnected phone line, lack of updates, and growing customer complaints suggest that the company is no longer functioning as a reliable pet microchip registry.
If your pet’s microchip is registered with Save This Life, do not wait for an official announcement. Take action now by re-registering your pet’s microchip with a trusted provider to ensure their safety.
Nebraska pet owners should share this information with friends, family, and fellow pet lovers. A microchip is only as good as the database behind it, and no pet should be left untraceable due to a failing company.
If you’re taking steps to protect your pet, now is also a great time to ensure your yard is clean and safe. Learn how our pet waste removal services help maintain a healthier environment for your pet.