There is nothing worse than the gut-wrenchiing pain of a lost dog. Now is when you wished you had listened to your Vet and had your dog Microchipped!!
How do Pet Microchips Work?
The following is provided by our partner, HomeAgain.
The technology of a pet microchip is simple and safe.
The brilliance of a microchip implant is its simplicity.
How do Pet Microchips Work?
No bigger than a grain of rice, a pet microchip is a radio-frequency identification transponder made up of just a few components encased within a slender capsule of bioglass, which is used extensively for implants in both humans and animals. Some microchips have anti-migration features to ensure capsules stay in place by bonding with the tissue under the animals skin.
A microchips sole function is to store a unique ID number that is used to retrieve a pet parents contact information it differs from a Global Positioning System, which is used for tracking, and requires a power source such as a battery.
When a microchip scanner is passed over the skin of a microchipped pet, the implanted microchip emits an RF (radio frequency) signal. The scanner reads the microchips unique ID code. The microchip registry is called, and the registry company uses the ID number to retrieve the pet parents contact information from the pet recovery database.
Most animal shelters and veterinary hospitals in the U.S. have global scanners that read pet microchips from most manufacturers.
National Sheltie Rescue Association recommends that all dogs become microchipped.
Pet Microchip FAQs
The following is provided by HomeAgain.
Here are some common questions and misconceptions about pet microchips.
Q: Will it hurt my pet when he gets the microchip implanted?
A: It wont hurt any more than a routine vaccination and having a microchip implanted doesnt even require anesthetic. The procedure is performed at your veterinarians office and is simple and similar to administering a vaccine or a routine shot.
The microchip comes preloaded in a sterile applicator and is injected under the loose skin between the shoulder blades. The process takes only a few seconds, and your pet will not react any more than he would to a vaccination.
Q: Will a microchip tell me my pets location?
A: Pet microchips are not tracking devices and do not work like global positioning devices (GPS). They are radio-frequency identification (RFID) implants that provide permanent ID for your pet.
Because they use RFID technology, microchips do not require a power source like a GPS. When a microchip scanner is passed over the pet, the microchip gets enough power from the scanner to transmit the microchips ID number. Since theres no battery and no moving parts, theres nothing to keep charged, wear out, or replace. The microchip will last your pets lifetime.
Q: Why does my pet need a microchip when he already wears a collar with tags?
A: All pets should wear collar tags imprinted with their name and the phone number of their pet parent, but only a microchip provides permanent ID that cannot fall off, be removed, or become impossible to read.
Q: How much does it cost to microchip my pet?
A: The average cost to have a microchip implanted by a veterinarian is around $45, which is a onetime fee and often includes registration in a pet recovery database.
If your pet was adopted from a shelter or purchased from a breeder, your pet may already have a microchip. Consult your pet adoption paperwork, or have your pet scanned for a microchip at your next vet visit to reveal the unique microchip ID number and register it.
Q: Isnt microchipping only for dogs?
A: Both cats and dogs need to be microchipped.
Cats often do not wear collars, and may not have any other form of ID. A recent study showed that less than 2% of cats without microchips were returned home. However, if a cat is microchipped, the return-to-owner rate is 20 times higher than if the cat was not microchipped.
Q: Can anyone with a scanner access my contact information from the chip?
A: Microchips carry only a unique identification number.
If your pet gets lost and is taken to a vet clinic or animal shelter, your pet will be scanned for a microchip to reveal his unique ID number. That number will be called into the pet recovery service, and you will be contacted using the contact information on file with your pets microchip.
**It is vital to keep your contact information up to date so that you can be reached.
Q: How many times do I need to microchip my pet?
A: A microchip will normally last the lifetime of your pet because it is composed of biocompatible materials that will not degenerate over time.
The HomeAgain® microchip has the Bio-Bond patented antimigration feature to help ensure the chip stays where its implanted. Also, since microchips require no power source and have no moving parts, theres nothing that can wear out and need to be replaced. Pet parents can also check to make sure their pets microchip is still working by asking a vet to scan it during their pets next checkup.
Q: My pet has a microchip. Is that all I need to protect him if he gets lost?
A: A microchip is only the first step! You must register your pets microchip to give your pet the best protection.
Register your pets microchip in a national pet recovery database such as HomeAgain with your contact information, so you can be contacted when your lost pet is found. Also, remember to keep your contact information up to date whenever you move or change phone numbers.
