Introduction
Microchipping has become a popular way to identify and reunite lost pets with their owners. A microchip is a small electronic chip enclosed in glass that is implanted under a dog’s skin. It contains a unique identification number that can be detected by a microchip scanner. When a lost microchipped pet arrives at an animal shelter or vet clinic, staff can use a scanner to read the ID number and look up the owner’s contact information in a registry database.
This article provides an overview of the different radio frequencies used in dog microchips and things to consider when choosing one. We’ll also discuss microchip scanners and how to ensure you get a scanner that can read your particular microchip.
Common Frequencies Used
There are a few common radio frequencies used for pet microchips:
- 125 kHz – This frequency has been around the longest and was the original standard for pet microchips. Many shelters and vet clinics still rely on 125 kHz scanners.
- 128 kHz – A more recent standard frequency that is compatible with 125 kHz. 128 kHz chips can be read by both 128 kHz and 125 kHz scanners.
- 134.2 kHz – A newer high-performance frequency that allows faster reading and writing of information. Not all scanners are compatible with this higher frequency.
The main difference between the 125 kHz and 128/134.2 kHz frequencies is speed and reading distance. The lower 125 kHz frequency can only be read from a couple inches away. The 128 kHz and 134.2 kHz frequencies allow reading from over a foot away and faster data transfer.
ISO Standard Frequencies
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has established standards for microchip frequencies that help ensure compatibility and interoperability. The most common standard frequencies are:
- 125 kHz – This low frequency was one of the first standardized and is still widely used, especially in the Americas.
- 128 kHz – A higher frequency standardized more recently. It provides improved performance over 125 kHz.
- 134.2 kHz – The newest ISO standard frequency, offering advanced features. It is gaining popularity in Europe and Australia.
The ISO standards help ensure microchips from different manufacturers can be read by scanners tuned to the designated frequencies. However, not all scanners support all ISO frequencies. Having global standards allows pets to be identified if they travel or get lost in another country where different frequencies may be more common.
125 kHz vs. 128 kHz
When it comes to microchip frequencies for dogs, two of the most common options are 125 kHz and 128 kHz. While they operate at similar frequencies, there are some key differences between the two that owners should understand before choosing one for their pet.
125 kHz microchips have been around longer and remain very common, especially in the United States. They have the advantage of being compatible with nearly all microchip scanners. However, they tend to have shorter read ranges than some more modern frequencies. The 125 kHz signal cannot travel as far to be picked up by a scanner.
128 kHz microchips are a newer technology standard that is growing in popularity in many parts of the world. The slightly higher frequency allows for improved performance and read range. 128 kHz chips can typically be read from a distance of up to 12 inches, compared to just 3-4 inches for 125 kHz.
However, 128 kHz microchips may not be readable by older scanners. Most universal scanners produced in the last 5-10 years can read both major frequencies, but it’s important to check scanner compatibility before choosing a microchip.
In summary, 125 kHz chips have wider legacy compatibility, while 128 kHz offers better read range and performance. When in doubt, modern universal scanners are a good bet for supporting both major frequencies.
134.2 kHz Frequencies
134.2 kHz microchips operate at the frequency of 134.2 kHz and are one of the less commonly used frequencies for pet microchipping. These microchips were developed and are primarily used in Europe and meet the ISO 11784/11785 international standard for pet microchip frequencies.
Some key facts about 134.2 kHz pet microchips:
- Have an operating frequency of 134.2 kHz
- Meet the ISO 11784/11785 international standard
- Used mostly in Europe, not as common in the US
- Can be read by 134.2 kHz scanners compatible with ISO standard
- Have a shorter read range than 125 kHz and 128 kHz chips
- Are not compatible with 125 kHz or 128 kHz scanners
While less common than 125 kHz or 128 kHz microchips in the US, 134.2 kHz chips can still be useful for pets that travel to Europe or for owners who prefer the ISO standard chips. It’s important to ensure the proper 134.2 kHz scanner is used to read these chips.
Choosing a Frequency
When selecting a microchip frequency for your dog, there are a few key factors to consider:
Compatibility – You’ll want to choose a frequency that is compatible with your local shelters and veterinary clinics. In the U.S., 125 kHz and 128 kHz are the most common. 134.2 kHz is more popular in Europe and other regions. Make sure whatever frequency you choose can be easily scanned in your area.
Range – Lower frequency chips (125-128 kHz) tend to have a longer read range, while 134.2 kHz chips have a shorter range. If your main concern is being able to identify your lost pet from a farther distance, a lower frequency may be preferable.
Scanners – Most universal scanners can read both 125 kHz and 128 kHz frequencies. But not all can read 134.2 kHz chips. If you prefer the 134.2 kHz frequency, make sure your scanner is compatible.
Transition Period – In some regions like Europe, there is a transition from 125/128 kHz to 134.2 kHz underway. During this time, it may be wise to choose a scanner and chip that can read both frequency ranges.
Discuss with your veterinarian the common frequency in your area. This can help guide your decision to pick the microchip frequency that best fits your needs.
Microchip Scanners
Microchip scanners allow veterinarians, shelters, and pet owners to quickly scan a pet to identify if it has a microchip implant and get the unique ID number. There are a few different types of scanners on the market:
- Standard scanners: These basic scanners can read the most common microchip frequencies (125 kHz and 128 kHz). They are affordable and good for veterinary clinics that only need to read common chips.
- Universal scanners: As the name implies, universal scanners detect all known microchip frequencies currently in use. This allows them to read both older and newer chip types. Universal scanners are more expensive but important for shelters and ACOs.
- Long-range scanners: These scanners have an extended reading range, allowing chips to be read from a farther distance. Helpful for locating chips in large or difficult to handle animals.
- Pocket scanners: Compact, handheld units that easily fit in a pocket. Good for mobile vet calls or shelter staff working in the field.
When choosing a scanner, make sure it can read the microchip frequencies in use in your geographic area. Universal scanners are the best bet for full compatibility.
Scanner Frequencies
When selecting a microchip scanner, it’s important to understand which frequencies it can read. There are a few main frequencies to be aware of:
125 kHz: This low frequency was one of the first used for pet microchips. 125 kHz scanners can read 125 kHz chips, but not 134 kHz or 128 kHz chips.
128 kHz: This frequency was introduced as an upgrade to 125 kHz chips. 128 kHz scanners can read both 128 kHz and 125 kHz microchips. However, they cannot read 134 kHz chips.
134.2 kHz: This higher frequency was designed to avoid interference with 125/128 kHz chips. 134.2 kHz scanners can read 134.2 kHz chips, but not 125 kHz or 128 kHz chips.
So when selecting a scanner, consider what microchips are most common in your area. Many universal scanners can read both 125/128 kHz and 134.2 kHz chips to ensure full coverage. Knowing your scanner’s frequencies can prevent compatibility issues.
Universal Scanners
Universal scanners are capable of reading multiple microchip frequencies, eliminating the need to have multiple scanners on hand. This makes universal scanners a versatile and convenient option for shelters, veterinarians, pet owners, and other users who encounter animals with various microchip frequencies.
Most universal scanners today can read both 125 kHz and 134.2 kHz frequencies. Some models can also read 128 kHz and even 915 MHz frequencies, which provides the widest level of compatibility with both older and newer microchip types.
When selecting a universal microchip scanner, look for one that supports as many common frequencies as possible. The scanner’s software should automatically detect and correctly identify the frequency being read. Top universal models are able to read microchips from every major manufacturer worldwide.
Universal scanners allow you to find any microchipped pet’s ID number quickly and reliably, regardless of brand. Just having one device on hand saves significant hassle compared to switching between multiple single-frequency scanners.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a few main frequencies used for pet microchips today. The ISO standard frequencies are 125 kHz and 128 kHz, which operate differently but are both common worldwide. There is also a less common 134.2 kHz frequency used primarily in Canada. When deciding on a frequency, pet owners should consider factors like international travel and what scanners are most readily available to shelters in their area. It’s often recommended to choose an ISO standard frequency for broadest compatibility.
To find and identify a microchipped pet, universal scanners are available that can read multiple frequencies. But scanners tuned only to 125 kHz or 128 kHz will miss chips outside their range. Shelters and veterinary offices should invest in universal scanners to ensure no pets are missed. Properly microchipping pets greatly improves the chances they can be reunited with their owners if lost. With so many frequencies in use, reading capabilities are key.
In conclusion, microchipping pets adds an invaluable safeguard if they become lost. While multiple frequencies exist worldwide, the ISO standards offer the widest use. Combined with universal scanners, microchips remain a simple and effective way to improve pet recovery rates.