Microchipping Your Pet
Things happen. You have workers in the house, and they leave the back door open. A thunderstorm scares your pet, and they bolt from the fenced in yard. If they’re wearing a collar and identification tag, chances are good that you’ll get them back.
But what if the collar comes off? That’s where microchips come in. They provide an extra level of protection so that having both tags and a microchip can help ensure a happy reunion if the unthinkable happens.
Why microchip?
- Collars and ID tags are not foolproof. Collars can break, fall off, or be removed, leaving your precious pet among the many unidentified strays at animal shelters.
- Pets with microchips are more likely to be returned to their owners than those without.
- Tattoos are commonly placed in the flank area where there is usually a lot of fur. If it is in the ears, they can become faded over time. Tattoos can easily be altered. Even when they are readable, the information about the pet and its owner can be difficult to obtain since there are no common databases for this information.
- Microchips cannot be misread, and the identification number is tamper-proof. All information is stored in a readily accessible database.
What is a microchip?
- Small, grain of rice sized computer chip with no battery or internal power source
- Passive which means that they store a unique identification number and do not actively transmit any information.
- Work by receiving a radio signal from a scanner and then transmitting the encoded chip identification number back to the scanner.
- Microchips are not a GPS Tracking Device. They can’t guide you to your dog’s location, but they provide a way for you to be contacted by almost any veterinarian or shelter.
How is it placed into my pet?
- Microchips are implanted just under the skin, usually right between the shoulder blades. This is done with a large-bore needle and doesn’t require anesthesia.
- Your pet’s subcutaneous tissue usually bonds to the chip within 24 hours, preventing it from moving. There’s a small chance that the chip could migrate to another part of the body, but it can’t get lost.
How long do microchips last?
- They usually are good for 25 years.
So, my vet has implanted a microchip into my pet. Is that all that needs to be done?
Just getting a microchip isn’t enough. You are responsible for registering your pet with the microchip company.
How do I register my pet?
- Complete the paperwork that comes with the chip or do it online.
- Some companies charge a one-time registration fee while others charge an annual fee. You’ll also receive a tag for your pet’s collar with the chip number and registry phone number.
- If you move – you need to contact the company that registers the chip to update your information; otherwise, the chip will be useless. You may be charged a small fee to process the update.