Celebrating 30 Years of AKC Reunite: A Lifeline for Lost Pets

In February 2025, AKC Reunite proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary as the foremost non-profit organization focused on pet identification and recovery in the United States. Founded in 1995 as part of The American Kennel Club, AKC Reunite has created a legacy of helping pet owners reunite with their lost companions, ranging from dogs and cats to ferrets, horses, and birds. The organization's mission began with a simple yet profound goal: to promote the microchipping of pets to facilitate their swift return home.

Tom Sharp, President and CEO of AKC Reunite, highlighted the organization’s unwavering commitment to serving as a safety net for lost pets, stating, "We at AKC Reunite are dedicated to ensuring that every pet has a way back home. Our around-the-clock call center guarantees pet owners can connect with our team anytime, and our operating reserve is in place to support pets enrolled with us for life."

This heartfelt dedication comes at a critical time when pet ownership is on the rise, with millions of pets reported lost each year. The presence of microchips significantly aids in recovering lost pets, providing a traceable link back to their owners. AKC Reunite encourages all pet parents to perform a quick safety check on their pets’ microchips by verifying their ID numbers with the American Animal Hospital Association. It is crucial for pet owners to ensure their microchips are registered with a reputable recovery service, such as AKC Reunite, as unregistered microchips can leave pets vulnerable and untraceable.

In addition to its core services, AKC Reunite contributes to pet welfare through various initiatives funded by its nonprofit mission. These include donating scanners to animal shelters and providing resources for Pet Disaster Relief and Preparedness, which assists local emergency management teams in establishing emergency shelters for pets affected by disasters. Their K9 Cop Matching Grant Program is another significant initiative that helps police departments deploy K9 officers, ensuring that law enforcement agencies have access to trained dogs vital for public safety.

AKC Reunite has an impressive track record, having enrolled over 10 million pets and reuniting more than 650,000 lost animals with their families. This success underscores the organization’s role as a trusted partner for pet owners across the nation. The microchips offered by AKC Reunite are a preferred choice among pet professionals for their reliability in permanent identification.

Since 2002, AKC Reunite has donated over $10 million to support pet-related causes, exemplifying its dedication not just to pet recovery but also to the broader welfare of animals in communities nationwide. The organization continually advocates pet health and safety, reminding owners that preparedness is crucial. On May 8th, in honor of National Animal Preparedness Day, AKC Reunite encourages families to integrate their pets into all disaster preparedness plans.

As AKC Reunite steps into its next decade of service, it invites pet owners across the U.S. to be proactive about ensuring their pets' safety and tracking. With a commitment that spans thirty years and counting, AKC Reunite remains dedicated to fostering a future where pets are always protected and cherished.

For more information on AKC Reunite and how to protect your pets, please visit www.akcreunite.org or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/akcreunite.