What is a pet microchip?
Statistics show that one in three pets will go missing in their lifetime, but cats and dogs with registered microchips are much more likely to experience a happy reunion with their families.
A microchip is a small, electronic chip encased in a glass cylinder that is about the same size as a grain of rice. When scanned, a microchip emits a radio wave that displays a unique identification (ID) number. This number can be cross-referenced with a national database, linking it to the pet parent’s contact details.
How does a microchip help find my lost cat or dog?
When a lost pet is found, a veterinary hospital or animal shelter can scan the chip to retrieve the unique ID number associated with the owner’s contact information. If your pet is lost or stolen, immediately let the microchip company know and they will assist in notifying local shelters and veterinary clinics.
Traditional collars and ID tags can be lost or damaged, rendering them useless. Microchips are a great complement to collar IDs because they remain with your pet throughout their lifetime as a permanent form of identification, especially in the case of a lost or stolen pet. In fact, an extensive study in 2009 found that 72% of microchipped cats and dogs were successfully reunited with their families.
What do I need to know about microchips? Is it required by law?
Once your pet is microchipped, there are only three things you need to do:
- Make sure the microchip is registered.
- Ask your veterinarian to scan your pet’s microchip at least once a year to make sure the microchip can be detected.
- Keep your microchip registration information up-to-date.
When your lost pet is found and scanned for a microchip, the microchip company will contact you through the information they have on file. If you’ve moved or changed your phone number, it’s imperative to update your microchip registration as soon as possible.
August 15 is designated as Check the Chip Day, and it’s the perfect time to update or check your pet’s microchip registration information. It’s important to note there are multiple microchip registries and manufacturers. If you don’t know your microchip manufacturer, pet parents can go to PetMicrochipLookup.org to access the Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool provided by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Once you know your microchip manufacturer and coordinating registry, you can update your contact information from there.
Hawaii is the only state that mandates microchipping; however, many cities and counties (including Dallas!) require them by law. This is a great question to ask your vet, especially if you’ve moved to a new place.
Does a microchip track my pet like GPS?
No, a microchip is not a GPS device and cannot track your cat or dog’s location. It’s only a passive transmitter that displays an ID number when triggered by a scanner.
If you’re looking for a GPS tracker, many of our pet patients use an Airtag, FI collar or Tractive.
How is a pet microchip implanted?
Thankfully, implanting a microchip is a quick and relatively painless procedure. Microchips come to a vet loaded in a syringe with a hypodermic needle and implanted under the skin between a pet’s shoulder blades. From start to finish it’s only a few seconds, like a routine vaccination. Most pets experience minimal discomfort and can resume normal activities immediately.
A microchip can be implanted during a regular veterinary visit without sedation or anesthesia. You can also choose to have it implanted while your pet is under anesthesia during another procedure like a spay or neuter.
How do I find out if my pet is already microchipped? Who scans for a microchip?
Your veterinarian can scan for a microchip! Microchips are tiny, so sometimes they move underneath your pet’s skin. A veterinarian will use a scanner all over your pet to find the microchip and the ID number.
If the scanner doesn’t register a microchip, we recommend implanting one to increase the chances of finding your lost cat or dog. Even for inside cats or older dogs, a microchip gives worried families some peace of mind about the likelihood of a timely reunion in case they escape or get lost.
I want to get my pet microchipped! Where can I go? How much does it cost?
To your veterinarian, of course! Most veterinary clinics keep microchips on hand so chances are your pet can get a microchip the same day as your regular appointment. Prices vary across clinics and markets, but the average price of a microchip for a cat or dog is between $50-$75. This covers the cost of the chip and the implant procedure.
What about microchips and international travel?
Some international countries require a pet microchip, which is why it’s important if you plan to travel abroad with your pet. Many countries require this permanent form of identification to ensure the pet being brought in is the same one specified in paperwork. There can also be instances where the microchip must be placed before a pet is given their rabies vaccine, to once again ensure the pet receiving the vaccination is the right pet.
As for any international travel, always check pet travel guidelines for microchip requirements well in advance.
So, why is it important to microchip your pet?
Microchips are a groundbreaking advancement in pet care. They provide permanent identification, enhance the likelihood of a swift and timely reunion for lost pets, and acts as a deterrent against pet theft. By understanding microchips and making the most of its capabilities, pet parents can best safeguard their beloved pet.
