Introduction
Microchipping is a safe and effective form of pet identification that involves implanting a small microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, under the skin of a dog. The microchip contains a unique identification number that can be scanned to reveal the dog’s information. When the microchip is scanned by a vet or shelter, the identification number links to a registry database that provides the dog’s name, breed, owner contact info, veterinary records and more. Microchipping dogs is important because it helps reunite lost pets with their owners. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), microchipped pets have a much higher rate of being returned to their owners if they become lost. Additionally, many municipalities have laws requiring dogs to be microchipped. Overall, microchipping provides permanent pet identification and critical information to get a lost dog quickly back home.
Breeder Responsibilities
Good and responsible dog breeders want to ensure the lifelong wellbeing and safety of the puppies they bring into the world. An important part of this is properly registering and identifying each puppy before it goes to its new home. In most areas, it is now required by law for breeders to microchip puppies and register themselves as the first keeper in the microchip database.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), “A microchip can make certain you know exactly which puppy you sold to whom. By documenting the puppy’s microchip ID number in your contract, you are protected, and so is the dog, no matter how many times he changes hands in the future.”1
The UK Kennel Club states that “It’s a dog breeder’s responsibility to ensure puppies are microchipped before selling them. Puppies cannot be sold until they’re eight weeks old, and they must be microchipped before leaving the breeder.”2
Reputable breeders view microchipping as an essential part of upholding high standards and being accountable for the welfare of the puppies they produce. It provides permanent identification and critical medical/emergency information that stays with the dog for life.
Microchipping Laws
Many states now require dog breeders to microchip puppies before they are sold. According to the Smart Breeder, over 20 states have laws requiring puppies to be microchipped. Some key examples include:
– California passed a law in 2017 requiring breeders to microchip puppies and provide the microchip number upon sale. The microchip must be implanted before the puppy is 16 weeks old.
– New York requires pet dealers (including breeders) to microchip puppies before sale. Puppies must be microchipped between 8 and 16 weeks of age.
– Pennsylvania’s Dog Law requires breeding kennels to microchip each dog before it leaves the kennel after weaning.
– In Ohio, high volume breeders must have veterinarians implant microchips in all dogs, including puppies, before sale.
While the specific laws vary by state, the overall trend shows more states mandating breeders implant microchips to help identify and track dogs. Failing to microchip can lead to penalties, fines, or loss of licensing for breeders in states with microchipping laws.
Benefits for Breeders
Microchipping puppies provides significant benefits for breeders. One of the main advantages is helping reunite lost dogs with their owners. According to the AKC, studies show that microchipped dogs have a much higher return-to-owner rate if they become lost or stolen. The microchip acts as permanent identification that can quickly link the dog back to the owner through a simple scan by a vet or shelter. This gives breeders peace of mind that their puppies will have a good chance of returning home if they ever get lost, even after being adopted by new families.
Another major benefit for breeders is having proof of ownership of their puppies. According to Jennalee Doodles, microchipping provides legal identification showing the breeder initially owned the dog. While rare, some buyers may try to falsely obtain refunds by claiming the dog came from another source. The microchip serves as evidence the puppy originated from the breeder’s kennel. This protects the breeder against invalid disputes over the dog’s origin.
Logistics and Costs
The microchipping process for dogs is relatively straightforward. It typically only takes a few minutes for a veterinarian or trained technician to implant the chip. They will insert a preloaded syringe containing the microchip between the dog’s shoulder blades and inject the chip under the skin. The process is similar to getting a shot and most dogs tolerate it well without sedation or anesthesia. Some brief discomfort may occur but serious reactions are rare.
Microchipping can be done starting at 8-12 weeks of age. Many breeders choose to microchip puppies before sending them to their new homes, often around the time of their final round of puppy vaccinations at 12-16 weeks. Costs and logistics can be easier to manage when the breeder handles microchipping rather than transferring that responsibility to the new owner.
According to MarketWatch, the average cost of microchipping a dog ranges from $25 to $60. This covers the microchip itself, implantation, and registration in a pet recovery database. Some low-cost clinics may charge as little as $10-15. At most veterinary offices, costs are typically $25-50. Options like Elite Veterinary Care charge $125 for microchipping along with an exam.
For breeders microchipping litters of puppies, costs can often be reduced through volume discounts. Veterinarians may offer special rates for large numbers of dogs. Breeders implanting the microchips themselves can also save significantly on labor costs versus paying a vet staff. Overall logistics are made simpler by microchipping puppies prior to placement in new homes.
Microchip Problems
While microchipping dogs provides numerous benefits, there are some potential risks and issues to be aware of. One problem is migration, where the microchip moves from its original implantation site. According to the AVMA, migration happens in less than 1% of dogs but can make the chip difficult to locate [1]. Improper implantation technique increases migration risk.
Other problems include microchip failure, hair loss, infection, swelling or tumors around the implantation site. Serious issues like tissue reactions are rare but can occur [2]. Using a sterile needle and implanting in the proper location reduces risks.
It’s critical to keep registration information updated if moving or changing contact details. Outdated info makes reunification difficult if a pet becomes lost. Experts recommend confirming annually that details are current.
Breeder Best Practices
Breeders should microchip puppies at around 8 weeks old, just before they are rehomed to new owners according to https://smartbreeder.com/en-us/blogs/blog/new-microchip-laws-information-for-breeders. This allows the microchip details to be transferred over to the new owner during the rehoming process.
It is important for breeders to provide all microchip paperwork to new puppy owners. This paperwork should include the microchip number and registration details. Providing this information ensures the owner can successfully register the microchip in their name. The breeder should also show the new owner where the microchip is located and explain its purpose and benefits.
Owner Responsibilities
Once a dog has been microchipped, the owner takes on important responsibilities to ensure the microchip effectively helps identify and reunite them with their pet if lost or stolen. One of the most critical responsibilities is keeping their contact information current in the microchip registry database.
Microchip registries provide an online account system that allows owners to easily log in and update details like their address, phone number, and email anytime there is a change. According to PetLink, if the contact details in the registry database are outdated, then the microchip loses its effectiveness as a permanent form of identification and recovering a lost pet becomes much more difficult.[1]
Another key responsibility is to get their veterinarian to annually scan the microchip and confirm it is still functioning properly. Over time, microchips can migrate or fail. Regular scans at annual vet check-ups ensure the microchip continues working properly for the life of the pet.[2]
Alternatives to Microchipping
While microchipping is generally considered the best way to identify lost pets, some breeders and owners consider alternatives like tattoos and GPS collars.
Tattoos have been used to identify pets for decades. A tattoo is applied to the inside of a dog’s ear or inner thigh using ink and a needle. Tattoos are permanent, but they have some downsides compared to microchips. The main issue is that tattoos are only visible upon close inspection of the animal, whereas microchips can be scanned from a distance. Additionally, tattoos can fade over time and become illegible (Source).
GPS collars and trackers for pets are a more modern alternative. These devices attach to a collar and use cellular or satellite signals to broadcast real-time location data. Breeders could theoretically track the location of dogs using GPS. However, GPS collars have limited battery life, higher costs, and do not provide permanent identification like microchips do. The collar could also become lost or damaged. So GPS is better for short-term tracking rather than permanent identification (Source).
While alternatives like tattoos and GPS exist, microchipping is still the recommended choice for breeders. Microchips provide permanent identification and are supported by major recovery networks. But some breeders may choose to use a combination of methods, like microchipping along with GPS collars, for maximum protection.
Conclusion
In summary, responsible breeders should microchip their puppies before selling them to new owners. Microchipping provides numerous benefits for the breeder, buyer, and most importantly the dog. It enables permanent identification and reunification if a dog is ever lost or stolen. Leading breeder organizations and advocacy groups overwhelmingly recommend microchipping puppies prior to sale.
While microchipping has a small upfront cost, it is a worthwhile investment in responsible breeding practices. For breeders, microchips create transparency and accountability when matching puppies to buyers. They also demonstrate a breeder’s commitment to the dog’s lifelong wellbeing. With mandated microchip laws on the rise, conforming to this standard is becoming a legal obligation for breeders in many areas.
Overall, microchipping puppies is a simple practice that enables breeders to safeguard dogs and provide new owners with extra assurance. It reflects conscientious, ethical breeding focused on canine welfare from birth through adoption. For these reasons, responsible breeders should embrace microchipping as a best practice benefitting all.