May is Chip Your Pet Month, and a great reason to talk about microchipping your pets. It’s estimated that one of every three pets will go missing in their lifetime, but having your pet microchipped can mean the likelihood they will be returned safe and sound is up to 20 times better. Let’s talk about all the details of microchipping your pet.
What Is Pet Microchipping?
Microchipping your cat or dog is a simple, inexpensive, and relatively painless procedure that gives your pet a permanent form of identification. Unlike tattoos that might blur or collars that can slip off, a microchip stays put and works throughout your pet’s entire life.
It’s a straightforward way to make sure that if your pet ever wanders off, they have a secure ticket back home. Here’s how it works:
- Microchip Implantation: A microchip, about the size of a single grain of rice, is implanted under the skin of a pet between the shoulder blades. This procedure is quick and usually not more painful than a vaccination.
- Unique Identification Number: Each microchip contains a unique number that is registered in a database with the pet owner’s contact information.
- Scanning for Information: If a lost pet is found and taken to a veterinarian or an animal shelter, it can be scanned with a microchip reader. The scanner uses a low-frequency radio wave that powers the ability to transmit the microchip’s ID number back to the scanner.
- Owner Notification: The unique ID number is used to find the owner’s contact information so the shelter or vet can contact the pet owner and reunite them with their lost animal.
Microchipping is recommended by many veterinarians and animal welfare organizations as a reliable and permanent method of pet identification. It’s important for pet owners to keep their contact details up to date in the microchip registration database.
How Microchipping Protects Your Pet
When your pet is found and brought to a shelter or vet’s office, staff can use a scanner to detect any microchip. This scanner shows the microchip’s ID number, which the staff then use to trace your pet back to you.
Additionally, a microchip serves as a reliable way to confirm ownership of your pet in case they are stolen. Authorities can use the microchip to verify who the rightful owner is and provide evidence in cases of theft or in an emergency. This makes microchipping an invaluable tool in protecting your pet and your rights as an owner.
How Do Pet Microchips Work?
Pet microchips utilize radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, designed to transmit data using radio waves. The microchip itself is a tiny silicon chip connected to a coiled copper wire antenna, all encased within a small glass capsule.
They don’t have a battery or any internal power source, so they are essentially inactive, not transmitting any signal or tracking location. They just sit quietly under your pet’s skin, waiting to be activated when needed.
Activation occurs when a microchip comes into contact with an electromagnetic scanner. The scanner emits a current that powers the microchip, enabling it to send its stored information (your pet’s unique number) back to the scanner through radio waves.
However, the microchip alone isn’t enough to reunite a lost pet with its owner. The microchip’s number must be registered in a database with up-to-date contact information from the pet owner. Without this link, the number alone cannot help a lost pet return home.
How Do Pets Get Microchipped?
If you adopted your pet from a shelter or a rescue organization, they are likely already microchipped. It’s a common practice for shelters to microchip pets before they are adopted. It’s also becoming more common for breeders to microchip puppies before they are adopted.
If your pet hasn’t been microchipped, your veterinarian or veterinary technician can perform the procedure. They use a sterile hypodermic needle, which is a bit larger than the ones used for regular vaccinations, to insert the microchip into the loose skin between your pet’s shoulder blades.
Will The Microchip Hurt My Pet? Are They Safe?
Microchipping is generally a very safe and low-risk procedure, and it causes minimal discomfort to pets.
The process of implanting a microchip is quick. Most pets react briefly to the pinch of the needle, but the discomfort is typically minor and short-lived. Many pet owners report that their pets quickly forget about the procedure once it’s over.
Microchips are designed to be a safe, permanent form of identification. They are encased in a biocompatible material (usually glass) that prevents the chip from causing irritation or allergic reactions under the skin. The risk of any serious complications from microchipping, such as infection or chip migration, is very low.
The procedure has been widely used for many years in numerous countries and is endorsed by various veterinarians and animal welfare organizations.
How Much Does Microchipping A Pet Cost?
The cost can vary depending on your location, the veterinary clinic or animal shelter providing the service, and any additional services that may be included. Generally, the cost ranges from about $25 to $50.
Some animal shelters and clinics offer microchipping at a lower cost during special events or promotions. Additionally, the price often includes not only the implantation of the chip but also the registration of the chip in a national pet recovery database, which is foundational to the effectiveness of the microchip.
If you’re on a tight budget, it’s worth checking with local shelters, as they sometimes provide microchipping services at a discounted rate to encourage more pet owners to microchip their pets.
Are There Any Downsides to Microchipping?
Microchipping is a simple and mostly painless procedure – your pet won’t even notice the chip once it’s implanted. The process is also very simple, with few complications reported.
The main limitation of microchipping is that it requires a scanner to read the information on the chip. Fortunately, most veterinary offices, animal shelters, and many police stations are equipped with these scanners, making it possible to identify and return a lost pet to their owner efficiently.
However, a microchip is only as effective as its registration. If a pet owner doesn’t register the chip or update contact information, it can lead to dead ends when trying to reunite a lost pet with its owner.
It’s important to remember that not everyone who might find your pet will have immediate access to a microchip scanner. It’s good practice to also have a collar with ID tags on your pet. This way, you have an additional safeguard to help with your pet’s safe return, combining the best of modern technology with tried-and-true methods.
Can A Pet’s Microchip Fall Out?
It’s very rare for a microchip to fall out once it has been properly implanted. After implantation, the tissue around the microchip heals, and the microchip becomes encased in a thin layer of tissue. This helps keep the microchip securely in place.
However, in rare cases, a microchip might migrate slightly within the body, typically staying within the general implantation area. This migration can make the chip harder to locate with a scanner, but it usually doesn’t fall out or leave the body.
It’s always a good idea for pet owners to have their pet’s chip scanned during regular veterinary visits to confirm its position and functionality.
Do Pet Microchips Have GPS?
Pet microchips do not have GPS capabilities. Microchips are passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) devices, which means they do not contain a power source and cannot transmit a signal on their own. Instead, they are designed to store a unique ID number that is read by a scanner when it is passed over the chip.
Is There An App To Track Your Pets Microchip?
Because microchips do not have GPS or any form of active tracking, there isn’t an app that can directly track the location of a microchipped pet. The microchip’s primary purpose is to maintain a permanent ID that is connected to the owner’s contact information in a database when a lost pet is found.
If you’re interested in actively tracking your pet’s location, consider a GPS collar or tag. These devices use GPS technology to provide real-time location tracking and can usually be monitored through a smartphone app. This way, you can keep an eye on your pet’s location and have peace of mind knowing where they are at all times.
How To Register A Microchipped Pet
Registering your pet’s microchip is a key step to making sure your lost pet can always find their way back to you if they wander off. Here’s how you can do it in a few easy steps:
- First, make sure you have the microchip number correct. This unique number is given to you when your pet is microchipped by the vet or the shelter.
- If your pet has been chipped, they likely will come with their registration provider chosen. If you’re unsure, your vet can suggest a good one.
- Most registries offer an online registration option, and some also allow you to register by sending a form through the mail. You’ll need to provide your contact details, the pet’s name, a description, and the microchip number. Some registries might charge a small fee, but there are also free options.
There isn’t a centralized database for microchip registration. Instead, each microchip manufacturer maintains its own separate database. Luckily, when a microchip is scanned, the microchip number appears. This number can help identify the chip manufacturer. This makes it possible to access the right database – and your information.
After registering, double-check that all your information is correct and has been processed properly.
Ongoing Updates:
Your pet’s microchipping procedure is a one-time procedure, but maintaining your information isn’t. If your address or phone number changes, you’ll need to update your details on the registry. Keeping this information current is the key to being contacted if your pet is found. Have the microchip scanned at your pet’s annual wellness vet visit to make sure it’s still working and can be read by a scanner.
By taking these steps, you’re setting up a reliable safety net for your pet. A microchip is a tiny thing, but with correct registration, it can be a huge help in bringing your lost pet home.
Have Your Pet Microchipped for Chip Your Pet Month
Taking action this May, or any time of year, can give you peace of mind knowing that your pet has a secure form of identification. Microchipping is more than just a procedure, it’s a commitment to your pet’s safety and your peace of mind. Whether your pet is already a part of your family or you’re planning to adopt, prioritizing microchipping can be one of the most responsible decisions you make as a pet owner.
This small step can make a big difference in your pet’s life. Microchipping offers a reliable, permanent method of identification that greatly impacts the chances of reuniting with your pet if they ever go missing.