Microchips are a popular identification choice for dogs. They are permanent, relatively low in cost and can help reunite you with your pet if he gets lost. The most important thing to know is that having one implanted is only fifty percent of the process. The chip must be registered by the owner to make it effective.
What is a Dog Microchip and how does it work?
A microchip is a tiny transponder, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip. Your veterinarian implants the chip using a needle-like injector, under the dog's skin in the shoulder area. The process is quick and relatively painless- it feels the same as getting a vaccination.
If your pet is found, the rescuing organization will scan him with a microchip reader. If a chip is present, the ID number for the chip will display on the scanner. Using the ID number, the rescuer can look up the pet's registration in the national database. This process works brilliantly, providing the owner has actually registered the chip.
Advantages of a Dog Microchip
The advantages are numerous- the process is quick, the chip can't get lost, the number is unique, and unlike a tattoo, the dog doesn't have to be wrestled to the ground or shaved to see if it's there. Because the database is national, microchip identification makes reunion possible no matter what state your pet is found in. All you need is Internet access and his ID number.
Microchips do not replace the need for pet ID tags. It only takes two seconds to become separated from your pet so his collar, with ID tags, should always be worn.
Disadvantages of a Dog Microchip
Like all technologies, there are a few disadvantages. On rare occasions, the chip can travel, so it's important that the full length and width of the shoulder area be scanned. Medical complications are extremely rare but like all other products on our planet, they are being reviewed for potential cancer-causing agents.
Some microchips, such as the Avid chip, cannot be read unless an Avid scanner is used. The technology in the chip prevents it from being read by other scanners. There is a universal scanner that detects most chips, but it is not compatible with technology used in older microchips. For rescue staff, this means they need to have several scanners in their possession and scan the dog multiple times. Additionally, most veterinary offices only have one type of scanner so it's possible that your dog may have a chip that goes undetected.
Registering and updating your Dog's Microchip
Registering the chip is the other half of the process. It is fast and easy, although there is a nominal charge for the registration. This puts yours and your pet's personal information in the national database. Pet information typically consists of: name, photo, rabies and chip ID number and veterinarian contact. Not only does this help rescuers, it's enormously helpful if you're ever in a position where you have to prove that the dog belongs to you. The registration captures owner information so rescuers know whom the pet belongs to and how to reach them. You can even add out of state contacts for extra protection. For the chips to provide protection, you must keep your registration current. If you move or change phone numbers, be sure to update your profile.
If your pet is lost notify the dog microchip company
If your pet is lost, contact the registration company immediately with the pet's ID number. This will trigger fax or email alerts to veterinarians and rescue groups. Even neighbors in your area will receive the alerts, if they've signed up for this feature. If your pet returns home on his own, don't forget to call back and advise them.
Determining if your dog has a microchip
Often, breeders insert a microchip before sending pups to their new home. They do not register the chip however, so the proud parents of the pup will need to do that when they bring him home. Note that if you are the pet's second owner, he may have been chipped previously.
Take your pet to your veterinarian and have him scanned for a chip. Ask if they use multiple scanners such as a Universal Scanner and the Avid Scanner. If they don't use both types and no chip is detected, go to an additional office and have the scan repeated, using the scanner that was missed. This process takes minutes and typically, there is no charge. If the pet scans positively for a chip, use the ID number you are given to check his registration. If he was registered to a prior owner, you can update the information. In most cases though, the chip was never registered so you'll want to do that now.
If you'd like more information on microchips or registration companies, Home Again and Avid are worth checking out.
© Paws in Training, Inc. 2009
Paws in Training provides dog training, dog behavior evaluations, dog consultations and dog education services in Raleigh North Carolina.
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