National Check the Chip Day2026 · Date · History · Messages
AAHA states that it and AVMA launched Check the Chip Day in 2013; AVMA and AAHA materials identify August 15 as the annual recurrence and focus on current microchip registry contact information.
About National Check the Chip Day
National Check the Chip Day is observed on August 15 to remind pet owners to check the registration information connected with a pet’s microchip.
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) says it and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) launched Check the Chip Day in 2013.
Why National Check the Chip Day matters
The day focuses on a practical part of lost-pet identification: a microchip is most useful when the associated registry information is accurate and current.
A pet microchip is an identification device that can be read with a compatible scanner; it is not a GPS device that continuously reports an animal’s location.
History of National Check the Chip Day
AAHA states that AAHA and AVMA launched Check the Chip Day in 2013.
The observance recurs on August 15, and current AVMA materials tell owners to check and update the contact information associated with their pets’ microchips each year on that date.
A 2017 AVMA release describes AVMA and AAHA recognizing National Check the Chip Day on August 15 and encouraging owners to keep registry information accurate.
Current AAHA material continues to identify the organizations as the creators of the observance and August 15 as the annual date.
How the observance developed
This timeline uses documented milestones from reviewed sources. Missing stages are left out rather than guessed.
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
AAHA states that the two associations launched Check the Chip Day in 2013.
AAHA and AVMA
The two professional associations jointly created the awareness day.
First documented observance
AAHA says the organizations launched the day in 2013 and current materials identify August 15 as its annual date.
AAHA and AVMA
Current/recent AAHA and AVMA materials continue to identify and promote the August 15 observance.
What the evidence establishes
Confirmed institutional roles and milestones are shown first. Details that could not be established from the reviewed sources are listed separately below.
5 fields not established in reviewed sources
Also known as
Check the Chip Day
How to Observe National Check the Chip Day
Use the manufacturer or registry information you already have to confirm that your contact details are current.
Ask a veterinary professional to scan an implanted chip when appropriate, especially if you are unsure whether it can be detected or which number is recorded.
If a pet is not microchipped, discuss identification options with a qualified veterinarian rather than attempting an invasive procedure yourself.
Keep personal contact details private except where they are legitimately needed by the relevant registry or veterinary service.
Pair microchip records with other appropriate identification and responsible pet-care practices rather than treating one tool as a guarantee against loss.
National Check the Chip Day Facts
National Check the Chip Day is observed on August 15.
AAHA says it and AVMA launched Check the Chip Day in 2013.
AVMA materials emphasize checking and updating the registry contact information associated with a pet’s microchip.
Microchips are identification technology, not live GPS trackers.
Implantation and medical assessment belong with qualified veterinary professionals.
National Check the Chip Day Messages
Wishing pet families a safe Check the Chip Day—and an easy few minutes confirming that identification details are up to date.
Happy Check the Chip Day to pet owners taking a practical step to keep identification information accurate.
Here’s to responsible pet care on Check the Chip Day, with current records and veterinary guidance when needed.
Topic and context
What this page does not assume
- Keep the source-defined country, community, organizer or institutional scope; do not silently broaden it.
- Do not treat the title alone as proof of government recognition or public-holiday status.
- Do not add a creator, founding story or origin claim unless the supporting evidence establishes it.
Evidence & sources
Sources used across the guide are gathered here. Labels show how each source supports the page, and contextual references are kept separate from primary evidence.
American Veterinary Medical Association — Microchip client brochure (opens in a new tab)
Professional Association
American Animal Hospital Association — Are you checking the chip? (opens in a new tab)
Co Founder Primary
AVMA — 2017 National Check the Chip Day release (opens in a new tab)
Understand it, compare it, then explore further
Start with the most common factual questions, then compare closely related observances and explore useful connections.
Frequently asked questions
When is National Check the Chip Day?
15 August The documented recurrence rule is: 15 August.
Does National Check the Chip Day fall on the same date every year?
Yes. It uses a fixed annual date unless stronger evidence changes the pattern.
Is National Check the Chip Day an official public holiday?
The reviewed sources verify it within this scope: United States / veterinary microchip awareness observance. That recognition does not by itself make it a statutory public holiday; the site only makes public-holiday claims when reliable evidence explicitly does so.
Who established or recognizes National Check the Chip Day?
The reviewed sources identify AAHA and AVMA as the proclaiming or establishing body. The proposer or originator is recorded separately as American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Current facilitation or coordination is recorded as AAHA and AVMA.
Is National Check the Chip Day international or country-specific?
This observance is specific to United States. Its fuller verified scope is: United States / veterinary microchip awareness observance.
How is this page verified?
The factual information is checked against reviewed sources, including the date pattern, scope and institutional history. This page was checked on 2026-09-23.
When is National Check the Chip Day?
It is observed each year on August 15.
Who created Check the Chip Day?
AAHA states that it and the American Veterinary Medical Association launched the observance in 2013.
What should pet owners check?
The central task is to make sure the contact information linked to the pet’s microchip registry record is current and accurate.
Can a microchip show my pet’s live location?
No. A standard pet microchip provides identification when it is scanned; it is not a live GPS tracking device.
Should I implant or remove a microchip myself?
No. Invasive procedures and medical assessment should be handled by a qualified veterinary professional.
Other observances on August 15
These observances are also listed on August 15, 2027.
Asunción de la Virgen
Spain’s national labor-holiday regulation lists 15 August as Asunción de la Virgen within the national holiday framework.
Founding anniversary of Asunción
Paraguay’s Chamber of Deputies and the Municipality of Asunción mark 15 August as the city’s founding anniversary and identify 1537 as the founding year.
Fundación de Panamá la Vieja / Foundation of Panama Viejo
Panama’s Law 14 of 20 January 1955 recognizes 15 August 1519 as the foundation date of Panama City and declares 15 August each year a holiday for the District of Panama; municipal and herit…
Independence Day
Republic of the Congo laws directly list August 15 as the national holiday, including Law No. 19-2010, which adopts August 15 of every year in commemoration of the proclamation of independe…
Independence Day
The Indian Independence Act 1947 establishes the August 15, 1947 constitutional transition, while current Government of India sources independently verify annual August 15 Independence Day…
National Acadian Day
Government of Canada / Canadian Heritage; celebrated since 1881 and recognized in federal law in 2003