| Microchips are a popular identification choice for dogs. | | | | that your dog may have a chip that goes undetected. |
| They are permanent, relatively low in cost and can | | | | Registering and updating your Dog's Microchip |
| help reunite you with your pet if he gets lost. The most | | | | Registering the chip is the other half of the process. It |
| important thing to know is that having one implanted is | | | | is fast and easy, although there is a nominal charge for |
| only fifty percent of the process. The chip must be | | | | the registration. This puts yours and your pet's personal |
| registered by the owner to make it effective. | | | | information in the national database. Pet information |
| What is a Dog Microchip and how does it work? | | | | typically consists of: name, photo, rabies and chip ID |
| A microchip is a tiny transponder, a radio-frequency | | | | number and veterinarian contact. Not only does this |
| identification (RFID) chip. Your veterinarian implants the | | | | help rescuers, it's enormously helpful if you're ever in a |
| chip using a needle-like injector, under the dog's skin in | | | | position where you have to prove that the dog |
| the shoulder area. The process is quick and relatively | | | | belongs to you. The registration captures owner |
| painless- it feels the same as getting a vaccination. | | | | information so rescuers know whom the pet belongs |
| If your pet is found, the rescuing organization will scan | | | | to and how to reach them. You can even add out of |
| him with a microchip reader. If a chip is present, the ID | | | | state contacts for extra protection. For the chips to |
| number for the chip will display on the scanner. Using | | | | provide protection, you must keep your registration |
| the ID number, the rescuer can look up the pet's | | | | current. If you move or change phone numbers, be |
| registration in the national database. This process | | | | sure to update your profile. |
| works brilliantly, providing the owner has actually | | | | If your pet is lost notify the dog microchip company |
| registered the chip. | | | | If your pet is lost, contact the registration company |
| Advantages of a Dog Microchip | | | | immediately with the pet's ID number. This will trigger |
| The advantages are numerous- the process is quick, | | | | fax or email alerts to veterinarians and rescue groups. |
| the chip can't get lost, the number is unique, and unlike | | | | Even neighbors in your area will receive the alerts, if |
| a tattoo, the dog doesn't have to be wrestled to the | | | | they've signed up for this feature. If your pet returns |
| ground or shaved to see if it's there. Because the | | | | home on his own, don't forget to call back and advise |
| database is national, microchip identification makes | | | | them. |
| reunion possible no matter what state your pet is | | | | Determining if your dog has a microchip |
| found in. All you need is Internet access and his ID | | | | Often, breeders insert a microchip before sending pups |
| number. | | | | to their new home. They do not register the chip |
| Microchips do not replace the need for pet ID tags. It | | | | however, so the proud parents of the pup will need to |
| only takes two seconds to become separated from | | | | do that when they bring him home. Note that if you are |
| your pet so his collar, with ID tags, should always be | | | | the pet's second owner, he may have been chipped |
| worn. | | | | previously. |
| Disadvantages of a Dog Microchip | | | | Take your pet to your veterinarian and have him |
| Like all technologies, there are a few disadvantages. | | | | scanned for a chip. Ask if they use multiple scanners |
| On rare occasions, the chip can travel, so it's important | | | | such as a Universal Scanner and the Avid Scanner. If |
| that the full length and width of the shoulder area be | | | | they don't use both types and no chip is detected, go |
| scanned. Medical complications are extremely rare but | | | | to an additional office and have the scan repeated, |
| like all other products on our planet, they are being | | | | using the scanner that was missed. This process |
| reviewed for potential cancer-causing agents. | | | | takes minutes and typically, there is no charge. If the |
| Some microchips, such as the Avid chip, cannot be | | | | pet scans positively for a chip, use the ID number you |
| read unless an Avid scanner is used. The technology in | | | | are given to check his registration. If he was registered |
| the chip prevents it from being read by other scanners. | | | | to a prior owner, you can update the information. In |
| There is a universal scanner that detects most chips, | | | | most cases though, the chip was never registered so |
| but it is not compatible with technology used in older | | | | you'll want to do that now. |
| microchips. For rescue staff, this means they need to | | | | If you'd like more information on microchips or |
| have several scanners in their possession and scan | | | | registration companies, Home Again and Avid are |
| the dog multiple times. Additionally, most veterinary | | | | worth checking out. |
| offices only have one type of scanner so it's possible | | | | © Paws in Training, Inc. |