What Are Microchips for Dogs?
Microchips for dogs are tiny implants, about the size of a grain of rice, that are placed under a dog’s skin by a veterinarian (AVMA). They are usually implanted in the area between a dog’s shoulder blades. The microchips contain a unique identification number that can be scanned if the dog gets lost.
The main purpose of microchipping dogs is to help reunite lost pets with their owners. If a lost dog ends up at an animal shelter or veterinary clinic, staff can scan the chip to get the identification number. This number can then be used to look up the owner’s contact information in a registry and notify them that their dog has been found (VCA).
So in summary, microchips are a way to provide permanent identification for dogs in case they become lost or separated from their owners.
How Do Dog Microchips Work?
A microchip is a tiny radio transponder that is implanted under a dog’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades, with a needle (1). The microchip itself does not have a battery or power source – it is activated when scanned by a special microchip scanner (2). When the scanner is passed over the area where the microchip is implanted, it sends out a radio wave signal that provides power to the microchip, causing it to transmit its identification number back to the scanner (2, 3). The scanner then displays this unique ID number on its screen so the dog can be identified.
So in summary, the microchip is passive and only activated when scanned. It relies on the energy from the scanner’s radio wave signal to briefly power it to transmit the dog’s ID. There are no moving parts or battery required within the tiny microchip itself (2). It simply stores the identification number in its memory, waiting to be read when energized by a nearby scanner.
Do Microchips Expire?
Microchips designed for pets do not have an expiration date and are designed to last for the lifetime of the pet (source). Once inserted, the microchip itself remains inactive until scanned by a microchip reader. Since there is no internal power source, the microchip does not run out of battery or stop working over time (source).
It is very rare for a properly implanted pet microchip to stop working entirely unless there is a physical failure or disruption. The microchip itself has no moving parts or complex electronics that can wear out over time. As long as the microchip remains undamaged and in place, it should theoretically last for the lifespan of your pet.
The packaging that the microchip comes in may have an expiration date, but this pertains to the sterile injection device and materials, not the microchip itself. So while you need to implant the microchip before the package expiration date, the microchip will continue working long after (source).
Why Would a Microchip Fail?
There are a few reasons why a microchip may stop working in a dog:
Physical damage to the microchip during implantation. Improper placement or technique by the veterinarian inserting the chip can sometimes lead to damage that renders it unreadable later on (AVMA).
Microchip migration within the body. In rare cases, the microchip may shift from its original implantation site and become difficult for the scanner to detect (Lucky Pet).
Failure of the microchip’s electronics. Like any electronic component, the internal circuitry of a microchip can stop functioning over time, especially if defective from the start (Walkerville Veterinary Clinic).
Scanner failure resulting in a misread. Issues with the scanner technology can also lead to problems detecting a functioning microchip (AVMA).
How Common Are Microchip Failures?
Microchip failures are actually quite rare. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, less than 2% of microchips fail over the lifetime of a pet [1]. This means the vast majority of microchips continue to work properly for 10-15 years or more.
While actual microchip failure is uncommon, there are other reasons a microchip may not be readable. Human error accounts for many cases where a microchip is not detected. Improper implantation technique, data entry mistakes, or failure to keep registration information updated can all prevent a lost pet from being reunited with its owner.
For this reason, regular microchip tests are recommended. Pet owners should have their veterinarian scan the microchip at annual wellness exams to verify it can still be detected. Staying on top of registration information is also key to maximizing the benefits of microchipping.
Tips to Prevent Microchip Failure
There are a few key things pet owners can do to help prevent microchip failure or complications:
Proper implantation technique – Make sure the vet or technician implanting the chip is experienced and inserts it in the right location. The microchip should go between the shoulder blades beneath the skin (source).
Yearly microchip tests – Test the microchip at least once a year by having your vet scan it to ensure it is still functioning and detect any migration early (source).
Update owner contact info – Keep your address, phone number, and email updated with the microchip company so you can be reached if your pet gets lost (source).
Use universal scanners – Make sure your vet and local shelters have universal microchip scanners that read all major brands (source).
What to Do if Microchip Stops Working
If you suspect your dog’s microchip has stopped working, the first step is to get the microchip scanned by your vet to confirm it is no longer functioning properly. Your vet will scan multiple times and in different locations to ensure the microchip cannot be detected.
If the microchip is confirmed to have failed, the recommendation is to implant a new microchip in a different location on your dog’s body, avoiding places the original chip was implanted. Be sure to change the microchip registration to the new microchip number. According to Found Animals, your old 9 or 10 digit microchip will still function in the U.S. even if you add an international 15 digit microchip.
It’s also a good idea to get a backup collar ID tag with your contact information in case the new microchip ever fails. While microchip failure is relatively uncommon if implanted properly, having redundant identification methods maximizes the chance your lost dog can be returned to you.
The Benefits of Microchipping Dogs
Microchipping provides several important benefits for dog owners. According to Bergen County Veterinary Center, some of the top reasons to microchip your dog include:
Permanent ID Method: Unlike collars and tags, which can be lost or removed, a microchip is a permanent way to identify your dog. The microchip itself does not contain any personal information but rather has an identification number that links to your contact details in a registry database.
Helps Lost Dogs Get Home: If your lost dog turns up at an animal shelter or vet clinic, they can scan the microchip and access your contact information to notify you. Microchipping greatly increases the chances your dog will be returned if they become lost.
Stores Vet/Medical Info: Many microchip registries allow you to store veterinary records and important medical info about your dog. This can help vets access your dog’s history if you are away or unable to provide it.
Proof of Ownership: Embedded under the skin, a microchip serves as a form of ID to prove ownership of your dog. This can be important for confirming your dog’s identity and retrieving them if lost or stolen.
Potential Drawbacks of Microchips
While microchipping dogs provides many benefits, there are some potential drawbacks pet owners should be aware of:
Risk of implantation issues – According to https://www.birdsongpet.com/blogs/blog/should-you-microchip-your-dog-know-the-pros-and-cons, one downside is that microchips can sometimes shift position under the skin or fail to be implanted properly during the procedure. This can lead to issues scanning and reading the chip.
Owner must keep info updated – As explained on https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-microchip-a-dog, microchips are only useful if owner contact information remains current in the microchip registry database. Owners must remember to update details if they move or change phone numbers.
Low risk of failure over time – While rare, it’s possible for microchip transponders to stop working over many years. Older microchip technology had a higher failure rate than modern chips. Still, chips can fail in some pets after 5+ years.
Doesn’t track location – Microchips only provide owner identification and pet identity. Unlike GPS collars or trackers, implanted chips don’t actually track where a pet is located. They simply link the animal to registry information.
The Bottom Line
Overall, microchips are shown to be an extremely reliable way to identify lost dogs long-term. According to Virginia Tech’s veterinary college, microchips can last 25+ years, well over the average lifespan of most pets. While there are rare cases of microchip failure or issues, these problems are quite uncommon and avoidable in most cases.
To get the most out of a microchip, it’s important for pet owners to periodically test that the chip is still working and ensure their contact info is up-to-date in the microchip registry. With proper maintenance, microchips provide an excellent permanent way to identify lost dogs if they ever get separated from their owners.