Introduction
Microchips are a popular way for pet owners to identify their dogs and ensure they can be quickly reunited if lost. A microchip is a small RFID (radio-frequency identification) transponder that is implanted under the skin, usually between the dog’s shoulder blades. The microchip contains a unique ID number that can be scanned by an RFID reader to reveal the dog’s identity and owner contact information stored in a database like a dog registry.
Microchipping dogs has become very common, with many municipalities and shelters requiring pets to be microchipped. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, studies show microchipped pets are far more likely to be reunited with their owners if lost (https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/check-chip-day-lifesaving-reminder-ensure-pets-microchipp-current). Microchips give peace of mind to owners that even without a collar and tags, their dog has permanent identification that can be scanned to get them back home safely if they ever get lost.
Popular Microchip Scanning Apps
There are several popular apps that allow you to scan and identify your pet’s microchip. Three of the most commonly used apps for scanning dog microchips include:
Petmicrochiplookup
Petmicrochiplookup[1] is a free app available for both iPhone and Android that can scan for both FDX-B and ISO microchips. The app will display the microchip number if detected. Petmicrochiplookup also includes a searchable database with microchip company contact information to help reunite lost pets.
Petchip ID
Petchip ID[2] is another popular free pet microchip scanning app available for Android and iOS devices. In addition to scanning and reading microchip numbers, Petchip ID also stores your pet’s profile for easy reference.
Microchip ID
Microchip ID[3] offers high-quality microchip scanning capabilities through your smartphone. It can identify all standard chips and includes cloud backup of pet profiles. There is a free and premium version available.
How Microchip Scanning Apps Work
Microchip scanning apps use near-field communication (NFC) technology to scan and identify microchips implanted in pets. The microchips contain a unique identification number that can be read by an NFC-enabled smartphone when held close to the area where the microchip is implanted (usually between the shoulder blades).
Once the app reads the microchip, it accesses an online database registry containing information associated with that microchip number. Pet microchips are registered with major registries like Avid, HomeAgain, and 24PetWatch. The app connects to these registries to pull up the pet owner’s contact information linked to the microchip.
After scanning the microchip, the app will display the pet’s name, breed, age, owner’s name, address, phone number and other details submitted during microchip registration. This allows anyone who finds a lost pet to quickly identify the animal and contact the owner using the information provided in the registry database.
By utilizing NFC technology and integration with microchip registries, these apps provide a fast and simple way to reunite lost pets with their owners. They allow people to scan a stray animal’s chip and access the owner’s contact details directly from their smartphone.
Benefits of Microchip Scanning Apps
Microchip scanning apps provide several key benefits for pet owners and animal shelters. The biggest benefit is the ability to quickly reunite lost dogs with their owners. When a dog has a registered microchip, the owner’s contact information can be accessed instantly using the app, avoiding lengthy and stressful stays at a shelter.
Another major advantage of microchip scanning apps is that they work anywhere you have cell service or Wifi, unlike traditional stationary scanners. This makes it easy for regular people to identify a lost pet while out and about. Apps enable widespread community scanning efforts that greatly improve the odds of finding a lost pet’s owner.
Finally, reputable microchip scanning apps like PetScanner are totally free and very user-friendly. With just a quick download, anyone with a smartphone can start scanning chips and reuniting pets. The convenience and accessibility of apps has revolutionized microchip scanning compared to the past.
Overall, microchip scanning apps provide a fast, easy, and no-cost way to get lost dogs back home where they belong. The ability to work remotely with no expertise required makes apps a game-changer for pet identification and recovery.
Limitations of Microchip Scanning Apps
While microchip scanning apps provide many benefits, they also have some limitations to be aware of:
One key limitation is that the microchip registry information needs to be kept up-to-date by the pet owner for the app to work properly. If the registration contact info is outdated, then the app may not be able to identify the pet or owner [1]. It’s critical that pet owners keep their contact details current with the registry.
Another limitation is that some microchip scanning apps may only work with ISO-compliant microchips. Not all microchips conform to the ISO standards, so apps may not be able to scan non-ISO chips [2]. This restricts the usefulness for owners of pets with non-standard chips.
Finally, microchip scanning apps can’t scan through metal or water. The scanning signal from the phone is blocked by metal objects or the pet’s body fluids. So the pet has to be properly positioned and dry for the app to work correctly [3]. This requires some patience and care when using the apps.
How to Use Microchip Scanning Apps
Using a microchip scanning app to identify and contact a lost pet’s owner is easy to do. Here are the basic steps:
- First, download the app and create an account. Popular free options include Pet Scanner (https://petscanner.com/index.php/using-our-scanner/), PetChipz Microchip Scanner, and Microalert Pet Microchip Reader.
- Open the app and ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone. Hold your phone near the pet’s shoulder blades where veterinarians typically implant the microchip.
- When the scanner detects the microchip, it will display the unique ID number. Tap to scan it against the app’s database of registered pets.
- If there is a match, the app provides the registered owner’s contact information so you can get in touch. Be prepared to provide details about where and when you found the pet.
- If there is no match, the pet may not be registered. But you can still report the finding and microchip ID number to local shelters and veterinarians in case the owner comes searching.
Following these steps allows good Samaritans to quickly identify lost pets and reunite them with relieved owners. Just be sure to act fast, as prompt contact greatly increases the chances of pets returning home safely.
Important Safety Tips
When reuniting a lost dog with its owner, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are some tips:
Confirm the microchip information with a veterinarian. Microchips can migrate within the dog’s body over time, so have a vet scan the dog to verify the chip number and that it’s still working properly.[1]
Arrange to meet the owner in a public place. For everyone’s safety and comfort, choose a busy, well-lit area like a park or coffee shop parking lot.[2]
Ask for proof of ownership such as vet records, adoption paperwork, photos of the dog, or unique details about markings and behaviors. Avoid giving out descriptive details upfront – let the owner provide them to you.[3]
Trust your instincts. If anything seems suspicious, notify the authorities and delay reuniting the dog until you can verify the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many pet owners have questions about how microchip scanning apps work and their capabilities. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Do apps work for cats?
Yes, microchip scanning apps like PetScanner [1] can scan both cats and dogs. The microchip technology is the same for cats and dogs, so cat microchips are compatible with scanning apps.
What if no chip is detected?
If a microchip scanner app doesn’t detect a chip, first make sure the scanner is held correctly over the area between the pet’s shoulder blades. The microchip can migrate under the skin over time. If still no detection, contact your vet to double check the microchip is still present and functional.
Are apps free to use?
Most microchip scanning apps like PetScanner have free trial or limited free scanning [2]. For full unlimited access, an annual subscription is required. Check each app’s terms for details on free vs paid features.
The Future of Microchip Scanning Apps
Microchip scanning apps are likely to become even more advanced and widely used in the coming years. Here are some of the key ways these apps may evolve:
Integration with shelters – Many shelters and rescue organizations already use microchip scanners to identify lost pets. Apps may become integrated into these systems to enable quicker communication and faster reuniting of pets with owners. Shelters could potentially access a database of registered microchips via an app [1].
Enhanced tracking features – Apps could incorporate enhanced tracking capabilities to store location history and notify owners if a pet goes missing or is found. This could aid search and rescue efforts. Accurate locations via GPS could be relayed to owners [2].
Increased use and accuracy – As microchipping pets becomes more prevalent, scanning apps are likely to see expanded use. Improvements in microchip design and scanning technology may enable apps to scan from longer distances with improved accuracy. This could make the identification process even more seamless [3].
Conclusion
In summary, while microchipping dogs has become a standard practice, using a smartphone app to scan and identify lost pets’ microchips offers pet owners an invaluable extra layer of protection. Microchip scanning apps leverage everyday technology to quickly reunite lost dogs with their owners. As we’ve seen, popular apps like Petlink and Petfilos allow anyone with a compatible Android or iPhone device to download the app and start scanning right away. The scanning process takes seconds and can provide immediate access to a lost dog’s owner contact information.
With the rising rates of pet adoption since the pandemic, responsible pet owners must utilize every tool available to protect their dogs. Microchipping is essential, but should be paired with a microchip scanning app for maximum effectiveness. Shelters and veterinary offices should also keep scanning apps on hand. By spreading awareness of these easy-to-use apps, pet owners and good Samaritans alike can make sure lost dogs make it back home safely.