How Do Pet Microchips Work and Should My Dog Have One?
According to statistics, one in three pets become lost at some point in their lives, and yours could very well be one of them. That’s more than enough reason to microchip your canine companion (or your feline companion!). But, how do dog microchips work? Here are the basics on pet microchipping, how it works, and why it’s so important.
What Is a Microchip?
A microchip is a radio-frequency identification transponder that carries a unique identification number, and is roughly the size of a grain of rice. When the microchip is scanned by a vet or shelter, it transmits the ID number. There’s no battery, no power required, and no moving parts. The microchip is injected under the loose skin between your dog’s shoulder blades and can be done in your vet’s office. It’s no more invasive than a vaccination.
So, That’s It?
Not quite. The unique identifier in the chip won’t do you any good unless you register it with a national pet recovery database. You’ll want to use a recovery service that has access to different microchip databases and technology. A service like AKC Reunite, for example, is a member of the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) LookUp, so it can check against hundreds of registries’ databases using the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool.
When you register your dog’s microchip, enter all relevant contact information. It’s a good idea to include both landline and cell phone numbers for you and anyone else in your household who is responsible for ownership. You don’t want to miss a call telling you that your canine companion has been found. Remember to keep your contact information up to date with the registry, too.
While microchip technology is pretty mature, different registries offer different services. Some, including AKC Reunite, provide a Lost Pet Alert that broadcasts your dog’s information to a network of vets, shelters, and volunteers in your area.
A Collar Is Not Enough
Collars, harnesses, and tags can break off or be removed. Even if tags stay on, over time they can become hard to read. A microchip will permanently identify your pet when it gets lost or if it is ever stolen. That said, all pets should continue to wear a collar and tags that include their owner’s contact info.
Microchips Are Not a GPS Tracking Device
GPS devices and microchips aren’t substitutes for each other; they’re complementary, and each is useful to locating a lost dog in different ways. A GPS may tell you where your dog is, but it can’t provide your contact information to those nearby that would help return him home. It also requires batteries and can be lost, like a collar or tags. Microchips, because they’re inserted into a dog’s skin, are permanent. While they can’t guide you to your dog’s location, they provide a way for you to be contacted, by almost any veterinarian or shelter, if your pup is brought in.
According to AKC Reunite, “Pets with microchips are up to 20 times more likely to be reunited with their owners.” It’s a simple procedure, it’s not expensive, and the risks are minimal. So, take this opportunity to have your dog microchipped, because the thought of losing him forever is too much to bear.
It’s never too late to microchip your dog. Enroll with AKC Reunite today.
More on how pet microchips work – http://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/everyday-innovations/pet-microchip1.htm