Microchipping your pet is a common and highly recommended practice in today's world. It provides pet owners with the best possible chance of being reunited with their beloved furry friends if they ever go missing. While many people may be familiar with the term "microchip," few know exactly how it works. So, let's explore this technology a bit further.
A microchip is a tiny electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted just under the skin of your pet, usually between the shoulder blades. The process of implantation is similar to that of a vaccination and does not require anesthesia. Once the microchip is inserted, it will sit passively under the skin, storing a unique identification number and contact information that is associated with your pet.
It is important to note that microchips do not require a battery or any active power source, nor do they actively transmit any information. Rather, they are only activated with a scanner using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) technology. This sends out radio waves that activate the chip. Once activated, the scanner displays the permanent ID number associated with the microchip.
FUN FACT! Microchips do not have any tracking capabilities, such as GPS and are designed to last 25 years.
While there are various types of microchips available, universal scanners are now able to read any type of microchip frequency. However, it is important to note that not all scanners are universal, and some can only detect certain types of microchips. Fortunately, most shelters and veterinarians now carry universal scanners, but this wasn't always the case.
IN THE NEWS! International Standards Organization (ISO) recently approved and recommended a global standard for microchips, with the aim of creating a consistent worldwide identification system. This means that if a dog implanted with an ISO standard microchip in the US travels to Europe and becomes lost, the ISO standard scanners in Europe would be able to read the dog's microchip. However, if the dog was implanted with a non-ISO microchip and the scanner was not universal, the microchip may not be detected or read.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE! Not all microchipped pets are reunited with their owners. According to a cross-sectional study conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), there are three main reasons for this:
1.) An incorrect or disconnected telephone number
2.) Owner did not return phone calls or respond to a letter
3.) The pet is registered to another group (whether it be the shelter the pet came from, the veterinary’s office that implanted it, or even a breeder).
If you move or change your phone number, it is crucial to update your pet's chip information. This step is particularly important for snowbirds or those who frequently travel with their pets. If you are unsure of what type of chip your pet has, consult with your veterinarian or animal shelter, as each microchip contains a registration number and the phone number of the registry for the particular brand of chip. Some owners ask their vet to scan their pet’s microchip at their annual check-up to ensure the chip is still working properly. The chip can shift in the shoulder over their lifetime.
IN CONCLUSION! Microchipping your pet is a quick and easy way to ensure their safety and your peace of mind. By taking the time to register your pet's information and keep it up to date, you can help increase the chances of a happy reunion should your pet ever become lost.