How Do You Microchip a Dog?

Every year more than 300,000 animals go astray in the UK alone. Most of them cannot be returned home because their owners cannot be identified. The lucky ones end up in an animal home.

Micro-chipping is the most effective way of identifying a lost pet. Collars and tags are essential, but they can fall off or become damaged. Technology has made it possible to equip your pet with a microchip for permanent identification.

How is an animal Micro-chipped?

The microchip is inserted underneath the skin between the animal's shoulder blades, just below the base of the neck. This is done using a needle, and is similar to your pet having a routine vaccine jab at the vets. A microchip is often compared to the size of a grain of rice. Most are around 11mm in length. The process should not cause your pet any more pain than a vaccine jab at the vets, and, when done properly, most animals don't notice it's happening, especially when distracted with a piece of food! Some of the smaller or more sensitive animals may yelp or squeak but recover very quickly. The microchip itself takes less than 2 seconds to insert. You will then be asked to fill out the registration form which will take a further few minutes.

How does the Microchip work?

The microchip emits a radio wave that is detected by a hand held scanner (animal wardens, rescue center's, pounds, police, micro-chippers and vets are all equipped with these scanners). Should your pet go missing and get picked up by, or be taken to one of the above mentioned authorities, it will be scanned and the microchip detected.

If my pet has a Microchip, does he still need a tag?

Some microchips have been known to migrate from the area between the shoulder blades, but the instructions for scanning emphasize the need to scan the dog's entire body. If your dog has a tag this makes it much easier for the person scanning the animal as they will keep searching with the knowledge the chip may have migrated. When your animal is micro-chipped, you should be offered a collar tag, there is often an extra charge for this depending on the micro-chipper and/or manufacturer. The writing on the tag should state that your pet is identified with a microchip, and often has the microchip database phone number. Please note - it is a legal requirement to have a tag on your dog with your name and address; your phone number is also a very good idea and the easiest way for a finder to contact you.

Where are my details held?

The number on the microchip relates to your personal details which are held on a secure database e.g. Petlog® or Identichip® (The database will vary depending on the microchip manufacturer). The person detecting the chip will call the database to get your details and be able to inform you that your pet has been found.

How long does the Microchip last?

Microchips are designed to last for the life of a dog. They do not need to be charged or replaced. It is very rare for a microchip to stop working. For peace of mind ask your vet or local micro-chipper to check your pets chip by scanning it every 6 months or so. They should be happy to do this for no extra charge.

No method of identification is perfect. The best thing you can do to protect your dog is to be a responsible owner. Keep current identification tags on your dog at all times, consider micro-chipping as reinforcement, and never allow your dog to roam free. If your dog does become lost, more identification can increase the odds of finding your beloved companion.

Did you find those tips on Microchipping a Dog useful? You can learn a lot more about how Microchips can help you protect your pets here. [http://www.the-pet-detective.co.uk]

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