Microchips: How They Work and Why Your Pets Need Them

A pet owner’s worst nightmare is their pet running away, getting lost, or stolen. A dog collar with tags is a great first step to helping identify your dog if they are found, but what if the collar comes off? That would leave no way for your pup to be identified and reunited with you.

Microchips are minuscule transponders about the same size as a grain of rice. They use radio frequency waves to transmit information. They are implanted in between your dog’s shoulder blades, just under the skin and are made to last your dog's entire lifetime. There is only minimal discomfort when they are injected, about the same as a routine vaccination. After they are implanted it is as if they aren’t even there. They stay anchored in the skin and cause your pet no pain. Almost all vets and animal shelters can implant microchips. An enrollment form is completed with the chip ID number, your contact information, and your pet’s information. The form is sent to a registry to be put into their database. Sometimes registration is left up to the owner, to be competed online. It’s important to make sure your pet is registered with the correct information after being microchipped or the chip is useless. Also remember to always update your information after you move, get a new phone number, or change your email address.

In the event that your dog is lost and taken to the vet or a shelter, they will scan your pet and find your contact information and you can be reunited with your pooch. Microchips are not tracking or GPS devices; they have to be scanned with a microchip scanner for them to work but almost all vets and animal shelters have scanners. Each year millions of animals are lost and only a small percentage are reunited with owners solely because there is no way to identify the animal. Animal shelters and veterinarians both routinely scan for microchips and they are fairly low cost considering the extra level of protection they provide you and your pet. In the event of accidental separation, a microchip could be literally be a lifesaver!