Introduction
A microchip is a small electronic device implanted under a dog’s skin that contains a unique identification number. Microchips provide permanent identification for dogs in case they become lost or stolen. Microchipping dogs has become a common practice to help reunite lost pets with their owners.
Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are implanted between the shoulder blades using a needle. The microchip itself does not have a battery or tracking capabilities, but can be scanned to reveal the identification number. This number corresponds with the owner’s contact information in a pet recovery database.
Microchipping provides an extra layer of protection to help lost dogs get back home by providing permanent identification. Even dogs with collars and tags can slip out of them, leaving them unidentifiable. Microchips give animal shelters and veterinarians a way to obtain the dog’s registration information to contact the owner. For these reasons, many shelters, rescue organizations and municipalities recommend or require microchipping dogs.
Overall, microchips greatly improve the chances of reuniting lost pets with their families. When paired with registration in a recovery database, they provide a backup form of identification that can save a lost dog’s life.
Locating the Microchip
Microchips are usually implanted in dogs between their shoulder blades at the back of the neck. This area provides space for the microchip and makes it easy for veterinarians and shelters to locate and scan the chip. According to the AVMA, the microchip should be placed subcutaneously (underneath the skin) by a veterinarian to ensure proper placement and prevent migration [1].
Proper microchip placement under the skin between the shoulder blades allows the microchip to be quickly located by passing a scanner over the neck/shoulder area. Improper placement could make it difficult to locate or scan the chip. Veterinarians are trained on ideal microchip placement sites to maximize scannability and minimize migration [2].
Scanning for the Microchip
To scan for a microchip in a dog, you will need a universal microchip scanner. These scanners can detect the radio frequency signals emitted by a microchip if one is present in the dog. Most veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and some pet stores have universal scanners available. You can also purchase a scanner for personal use if you frequently need to check dogs for chips.
When using a microchip scanner, start by turning the device on according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Gently part the fur at the back of the dog’s neck between the shoulder blades until you can see the skin. Hold the scanner just above the skin and slowly move it back and forth in an S-shaped pattern over the area for 10-15 seconds. The scanner will beep and flash when it detects the presence of a microchip. The microchip number will also display on the scanner’s screen if detected. Be sure to carefully scan the entire area between the shoulders and down each side of the neck, as the microchip can migrate over time.
If no microchip is detected, you may need to troubleshoot by rescanning more slowly or trying a different scanner. But if the scanner successfully reads the microchip, you can then contact the registry to look up the dog’s information.
Sources: https://www.akcreunite.org/oldveterinarians/scanvets/, https://smartbreeder.com/en-us/blogs/blog/how-to-use-a-pet-microchip-scanner
Microchip Frequencies
Most pet microchips operate on one of three radio frequencies: 125 kHz, 128 kHz, or 134.2 kHz. The 134.2 kHz frequency is the international standard established by ISO (International Organization for Standardization) [1].
125 kHz and 128 kHz microchips are older technologies that are still commonly found in pets today. 134.2 kHz microchips are more recently developed and provide better scanner compatibility [2]. Many universal scanners are able to read all three frequencies, while older scanners may only read 125 kHz or 128 kHz chips.
It’s important to know your pet’s microchip frequency in case you need to locate a compatible scanner. Universal scanners are ideal since they can scan all frequencies. If your pet ends up at a shelter, you’ll want to ensure they have a scanner that can detect your pet’s unique microchip.
Troubleshooting Errors
There are a few reasons why a microchip scanner may fail to detect your dog’s microchip:
- The microchip has migrated from its original implantation site. Microchips can sometimes migrate away from the area between the shoulder blades where they are typically implanted. Try slowly scanning the full length of your dog’s back to see if you can locate the chip.
- Faulty scanner. Make sure the scanner has fresh batteries and is designed to read the frequency of your particular microchip. Universal scanners should detect most chips, but it’s good to double check.
- The microchip information is not up to date. Even if the chip is detected, the registration information may be outdated if you have not kept it current. Contact the microchip company to verify and update the info.
- Microchip failure. It’s rare but possible for a small percentage of microchips to stop working over time. If you still can’t detect the chip, your vet can implant a new one.
If the scanner isn’t detecting your dog’s microchip, start by triple checking the scanner is working and slowly cover the full length of your dog’s back. Contact your vet or the microchip company for additional troubleshooting if needed.
Registering the Microchip
It is crucial to register your dog’s microchip and keep the registration information up-to-date. An unregistered microchip severely limits its effectiveness for reuniting lost pets with their owners. According to the AVMA, studies show that over 90% of animals returned to their owners are registered with up-to-date information in a microchip registry database.
There are several reasons why registering your dog’s microchip is so important:
- Registration provides current owner contact information if your dog gets lost. Without registration, the microchip is just an ID number.
- Proof of ownership in disputes or cases of theft. Registered microchips have been upheld in court as evidence of ownership.
- Avoid your pet being adopted or euthanized if lost. Shelters routinely scan for microchips to identify lost pets.
- Registration must be formally transferred when rehoming pets, ensuring they can be traced back to you if lost.
Major microchip registries like AKC Reunite and Avid PetTrac provide 24/7 support for shelters scanning chips and owners reporting lost pets. Keeping your registration contact info current is essential for your pet’s safety if they become lost.
Microchip Registries
There are several major microchip registries used for registering dogs in the United States. Some of the top registries include:
AKC Reunite – This is one of the largest non-profit pet microchip registries in the country, with over 15 million pets enrolled. They provide 24/7 recovery services and work with animal shelters nationwide (https://www.akcreunite.org/).
24PetWatch – Owned by Pethealth Inc., this is one of the biggest for-profit registries. They offer free registration of microchips and provide a searchable online database for enrolled pets (https://www.24petwatch.com/).
HomeAgain – This popular registry is owned by Purina and Merck Animal Health. They offer both free and premium registration options with additional benefits like lost pet alerts (https://www.homeagain.com/).
Found Animals – A non-profit registry based in California that provides free microchip registration. They work with shelters and vets in all 50 states (https://www.foundanimals.org/microchip-registry/).
Choosing a reliable registry and properly registering your pet’s microchip is crucial for reuniting with them if they become lost. Be sure to keep your contact information current with whichever registry you choose.
Updating Registration
It is crucial to keep your pet’s microchip registration information up-to-date so that you can be contacted if your pet ever goes missing. The microchip is useless if the contact details are outdated or incorrect. According to Preventive Vet, you should confirm and update your pet’s microchip information at least once per year.
To update your pet’s microchip details, first locate the microchip number. This can be found on the original registration paperwork or by having your veterinarian scan the chip. Once you have the microchip number, contact the registry that holds your pet’s information. Most registries allow you to update details online. Provide your pet’s microchip number along with your current contact information and any other updates.
It is essential to inform registries anytime you move or change phone numbers. Having accurate contact details greatly increases the chances your lost pet can be returned to you. Keep all microchip information current so you don’t miss out on being reunited if your pet ever wanders off.
Microchipping Your Dog
Getting your dog microchipped is a quick and relatively inexpensive procedure. According to Dr. Bethany Hsia, D.V.M. and co-founder of CodaPet, microchipping a dog typically costs around $50 (source). The microchip itself costs between $15-25, while the implantation procedure costs $20-45.
During the microchipping process, a veterinarian or trained professional will inject a small microchip, roughly the size of a grain of rice, beneath the surface of your dog’s skin between the shoulder blades. This is done using a specialized applicator and takes just a few seconds. The process is similar to getting a vaccination shot for your dog.
While some dogs may experience brief soreness or swelling at the implantation site, the microchipping process is not painful and does not require anesthesia. Once implanted, the microchip will remain fixed in place just under the dog’s skin. The chip requires no batteries or maintenance.
In addition to the cost of microchipping, you may need to pay a small one-time fee of around $15-30 to register your contact information along with your dog’s in a microchip registry database. This allows the microchip to be scanned and associated with your dog’s identity. After registering, remember to keep your contact information updated if you move or change phone numbers.
Conclusion
Microchipping your dog provides many important benefits that all pet owners should consider. As discussed, microchips greatly improve the odds of reuniting lost dogs with their owners by providing permanent identification. Microchips are also useful for confirming ownership and avoiding disputes. While the microchipping process is relatively quick and straightforward, proper registration in an up-to-date database is crucial for the system to work effectively. With the peace of mind and security that microchips provide for both owners and dogs, the minor costs and procedures are well worth it. In a nutshell, responsible dog owners should ensure their pets are microchipped and registered to maximize the chances of safely returning home if they ever become lost.