Having Your Pet Microchipped

Microchipping is effective in finding lost pets

The sad fact is that millions of dogs and cats are lost or stolen every year, and one in three pets will become lost at some time in their life.  Without proper identification, many of these pets will never return home.  One of the ways you can increase the chances of finding your pet, should he become lost or stolen, is to have him microchipped.

A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association confirmed the high rate of return of microchipped dogs and cats to their families and stressed the importance of microchip data registration.   Microchipping substantially increases the likelihood of a pet being returned home, as it offers secure, reliable, unique, and permanent identification.

What Is A Microchip?

A microchip is a small electronic chip in a glass cylinder and is about the size of a grain of rice. It does not have a battery and is activated by a scanner that is passed over the area of the chip.  The radiowaves put out by the scanner activate the chip, and the scanner reads the identification number assigned to the chip.  The unique, one-of-a-kind ID number shows on the scanner screen.

The microchip is NOT a GPS device and it does not track your pet.

Facts

The microchip is permanent and will last the life of your pet.  It cannot get lost.

The implantation process is quick and relatively painless.  It is very similar to a routine vaccination and is done with a hypodermic needle with a slightly larger needle.  The average cost is usually $45-50 and any veterinarian should be able to do the procedure.

Each microchip number is unique to your pet.

The databases for microchipping are national, so reunion is possible for your microchipped pet even it he has crossed state lines.

Both dogs and cats should be microchipped.

You should not be concerned about your privacy when registering the microchip information into the database.  The only information about you is what you choose to provide, and there are protections in place for your privacy and security.

A microchip does NOT take the place of a collar with rabies and identification tags.  If a pet is wearing a collar with id and rabies tags, that is usually the quickest way to locate the owner and have the pet returned.  However, if the pet is not wearing the collar or if it is lost or removed, the microchip may be the only way the pet’s owner can be found.

When You Have Adopted a Pet

If you have adopted a pet from a shelter, ask them if they have scanned the pet for a microchip.  Many shelters do the implantation into every animal they adopt out, so ask them if they have already implanted a microchip.  Be sure to get the identification number so that you can register it in the recovery database in your name.

You can also have your veterinarian scan your pet for a microchip on his check-up.  If he cannot locate a chip, he will be able to implant one into your pet during a regular visit or check-up

If You Got Your Pet from a Breeder

Many breeders microchip their pups before sending them to new homes.  In this case, check with them and if they have microchipped the pup, you will have to register the information when you bring your pup home.

Registering Your Pet’s Microchip

If you have your pet microchipped by your veterinarian, ask the staff for information on what database and process they recommend.  Sometimes the cost of their procedure includes the cost of database registration.  If you are registering for a pet that has already been microchipped before he came home to your family, you can register him online on several databases for a small fee.   Homeagain.com and Avidid.com are two major national pet recovery database companies that are very effective.  Again, ask your veterinarian’s office what they suggest.  For a more effective record, upload a current photo of your pet into the database registration form if they have that option.

If Your Pet Is Lost

Contact the recovery database registration company immediately if your pet is lost and provide the pet’s ID number.  Most recovery database companies have a hot line that you can call with your information, but you can also log in online and provide the missing pet report.  They will guide you through their process.  It is a very good idea to upload a photo of your pet along with your other registration info so that they will have it ready for backup id purpose.

**Important**   If your pet returns home on his own,  don’t forget to call or notify the recovery database company back to advise them.

Maintenance

In order to maintain your pet’s microchip, just remember three things:

1. Ensure that the microchip is registered

2. Have your veterinarian scan your pet’s chip at least once a year to make sure that it’s still functioning

3. Keep your registration information up to date.  Remember, if you move or if any of your information changes (phone      number, etc.), you must be sure to update your microchip registration info in the manufacturer’s database as soon as possible.

Although there have been some reports of infections, swelling, or tumors that may have been related to implanting microchips, the benefits of microchipping definitely outweigh the risks.  You might want to designate a specific day every year as a reminder to check and update the microchip registration info for your pets.  The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) have both established August 15 as “Check the Chip Day”.  Be sure to keep your information current so that you can rest easy in knowing that you have improved your chances of getting your pet back home if he is lost or stolen.