Microchipping pets has become an essential part of responsible pet ownership, providing peace of mind and a higher chance of reuniting with your furry friend if they ever get lost. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about pet microchips, including how dog and cat microchips work, their benefits, and what to expect during the process.
What Are Pet Microchips?
A pet microchip is a small, electronic device about the size of a grain of rice that is implanted under your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. These microchips use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and contain a unique identification number that can be read by a special scanner. This number is linked to your contact information stored in an animal chip database, making it easy for veterinarians, shelters, or animal control officers to identify and contact you if your pet is found.
How Do Dog and Cat Microchips Work?
Dog microchips and cat microchips function the same way, with no differences between the devices used for different species. When a lost pet is taken to a vet or animal shelter, the staff will use a scanner to check for a microchip. The scanner sends a signal to the microchip, which transmits the unique identification number back to the scanner. This number is then looked up in an animal chip database to retrieve the owner’s contact details.
It’s important to note that pet microchips do not have GPS capabilities and cannot track your pet’s location. Instead, they serve as a permanent identification method that helps reunite lost pets with their owners.
Benefits of Microchipping Your Pet
- Permanent Identification: Unlike collars and tags, which can break, fall off, or become illegible, microchips provide a permanent form of identification that stays with your pet for life.
- Increased Chances of Reunification: Statistics show that microchipped pets are much more likely to be returned to their owners if lost. According to studies, dogs with microchips are twice as likely to be returned to their owners, while cats with microchips are 20 times more likely to be reunited with their families.
- Proof of Ownership: In cases of disputes, a microchip can serve as proof of ownership, which is especially valuable for pet owners.
- Easy and Quick Procedure: The microchipping procedure is quick, safe, and relatively painless, similar to a routine vaccination. It can be done at your vet’s office and doesn’t require anesthesia.
Registering and Updating the Animal Chip Database
After the microchip is implanted, the most critical step is registering it in an animal chip database with your current contact information. Without this step, the microchip is essentially useless. You’ll need to provide details such as your name, address, phone number, and sometimes additional information about your pet.
Equally important is keeping your contact details up-to-date. If you move or change phone numbers, you must update the database to ensure that you can be contacted if your pet is found.