What is microchipping?
Microchipping is a process that involves implanting a small microchip under a dog’s skin. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and contains a unique identification number. It is injected under the skin through a needle, typically placed between the dog’s shoulder blades. The process is quick and relatively painless, similar to receiving an injection or vaccine at the vet.
The purpose of microchipping a dog is to provide permanent identification if the pet is ever lost or stolen. Animal shelters and veterinary clinics have scanners that can detect these microchips and read the ID number. This allows them to access a registry database that contains the owner’s contact information, allowing for reunification of lost pets with their families. Microchipping vastly increases the chances of a lost dog being returned home.
The microchip itself does not contain any tracking capabilities or GPS. It simply stores the ID number in a small transponder that can be read when scanned. The owner’s details like name, address and phone number are stored securely by the registry associated with the microchip. As long as the registry has current information, a lost microchipped pet has much better chances of finding its way back home if found.
Why microchip your dog?
Microchipping provides your dog with a permanent ID and is the best way to reunite lost dogs with their owners. Unlike collars and tags, which can fall off or get removed, a microchip is implanted under the dog’s skin and stays there permanently. This provides a foolproof way to identify a lost dog even if it no longer has a collar or tags. According to the AVMA, microchipped dogs have a significantly higher rate of being returned to their owners if they get lost. Microchipping also helps shelters and animal control identify a dog’s owner quickly so the dog can be returned home rather than taken in as a stray.
Do vets have access to microchip numbers?
Veterinarians do not automatically have access to your dog’s microchip number or registration information. Microchip numbers are stored in proprietary databases maintained by the microchip companies, not by veterinary clinics.
However, most veterinary clinics have universal microchip scanners that can read the unique ID number encoded on your dog’s implanted microchip. When you take your dog to the vet for an appointment or exam, the vet tech or veterinarian will often scan your dog as part of their intake process. This allows them to pull up your dog’s microchip registration information to verify and update your contact details in the database.
So while vets cannot simply look up your dog’s microchip number at will, they can quickly and easily scan your dog to obtain the microchip ID when needed. It’s important to keep your registration information current with the microchip company so your vet has your most up-to-date contact info in case your lost dog turns up at their clinic.
Sources:
https://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyvetted/2011/feb/stolen_pets_microchips-10817
Finding your dog’s microchip number
If you don’t have the paperwork with your dog’s microchip number, there are a couple ways to find it:
Check the paperwork from when your dog was microchipped. This paperwork should have the microchip number along with information on the microchip manufacturer or registry. If you don’t have the paperwork, check with the vet, shelter, or clinic that implanted the microchip to see if they have a record of the number.
Have your vet or a local animal shelter scan your dog for the microchip. Most clinics and shelters have universal scanners that can detect and read microchips from any manufacturer. When they scan your dog, they should be able to provide you with the unique microchip number associated with your pet. This allows you to then search the appropriate registry database for your dog’s information using the microchip number. Just be sure to have your identification to prove you are the owner.
Some additional tips are to check previous vet records to see if the microchip number was documented there. You can also contact the microchip company if you know the manufacturer to see if they have your pet’s enrollment information on file. Lastly, most microchip registries have a lost pet recovery process you can initiate by contacting customer support, providing your information, and reporting your pet missing.
Sources:
https://www.homeagain.com/find-microchip-number
Updating your information
It’s important to keep your contact details up-to-date with the microchip company in case your dog ever gets lost. If you move or change phone numbers, you’ll need to inform the registry so they can update your information. This ensures that you can be contacted if your lost dog turns up at a vet clinic or shelter.
To update your details, you’ll need to directly contact the pet microchip registry that your dog is registered with. Most registries allow you to easily update your contact information online through their website. For example, databases like AKC Reunite, PetLink, and Avid Identification Systems let you log in and edit your profile details like your address and phone number. There is usually no charge for updating your pet’s microchip information.
Updating your details is a simple process and only takes a few minutes. But keeping your contact info current is crucial, so be sure to amend your microchip registry profile if you move homes or change phone numbers. That way, your microchip registration always has your most up-to-date contact details in case your dog ever becomes lost.
Microchip registration databases
There are several major pet microchip registries that store and share data on microchipped pets in the United States. The largest registries include:
- AKC Reunite – A non-profit pet recovery service provided by the American Kennel Club. They have reunited over 500,000 lost pets with their owners. Source
- HomeAgain – A for-profit registry with a large network of shelters and veterinary hospitals that can scan microchips and search their database. Owned by Merck.
- 24PetWatch – Owned by Pethealth Inc, this registry has partnerships with shelters across the US and Canada.
- Found Animals Registry – Non-profit registry that provides universal scanners to shelters and hospitals to read all microchip brands.
Each registry maintains a database of registered microchips linked to owner contact information. When a vet or shelter scans a microchipped pet, they can search the registries to find the owner’s information associated with that chip’s unique ID number. It’s important for pet owners to keep their contact info updated with the microchip company to enable reunification if a pet gets lost.
Microchipping laws
Requirements for microchipping dogs vary by state. Some states, such as Hawaii, require all dogs and cats to be microchipped, while other states like Texas and California have more localized laws.
In Hawaii, Act 139 requires that all dogs and cats be microchipped within 30 days of acquisition or entry into the state, with some exceptions for travelers and service animals (Source). Hawaii was the first state to implement a universal microchipping law in 2021.
California law SB 573 went into effect in 2022, requiring shelter and rescue animals be microchipped prior to release. Some California counties and cities, like Los Angeles County and San Francisco, have additional laws requiring pet owners license and microchip their dogs (Source).
In Texas, some cities require pet owners to register and microchip their pets, but there is no statewide law. For example, San Antonio mandates microchipping for all dogs and cats (Source).
Microchipping your puppy
The best age to microchip puppies is generally between 8 and 12 weeks old. Puppies should receive their first round of vaccines around 6-8 weeks old, so getting them microchipped at the same time helps avoid additional stressful visits to the vet early on. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), microchipping puppies when they are too young may result in the microchip migrating away from the optimal implant location as the puppy grows [1].
To make microchipping more comfortable for your puppy, ask your veterinarian to use a small microchip needle designed specifically for small dogs and puppies. Keeping your puppy calm and secure during the brief implant procedure will also help. Offer treats, pets, and praise throughout the process so your puppy associates it with positive experiences. Schedule the appointment when your puppy is already tired since they tend to be more docile and cooperative when drowsy. Most puppies tolerate microchipping very well with little fuss. However, ask your vet about options for anxiety medications or sedation if your puppy is extremely high-strung or fearful.
Microchipping risks
While microchipping dogs is generally considered very safe, there are some rare risks to be aware of. Microchips are implanted under the dog’s skin usually between the shoulder blades. If not implanted properly, the microchip could migrate and become difficult to scan or locate. Microchips may also fail over time and become unable to be scanned. However, microchip failure rates are very low at around 2%, according to one study by AVMA.
Other risks can include minor pain, swelling, infection or hair loss around the implantation area. Serious reactions are very rare but could include tissue damage or the formation of tumors around the microchip. To minimize risks, it’s important to have your vet or a trained professional implant the microchip properly in the right location. Proper sterilization and using a sterile single-use injector also reduces risks of infection or complications.
While risks do exist, they are minimal especially when the microchip is implanted correctly. For most dogs, the huge benefits of being reunited with their owner if lost far outweigh the small risks.
Microchipping Alternatives
While microchipping is a popular and effective way to identify lost pets, there are some alternatives pet owners may consider:
Tattoos
Tattooing a pet with an identification number is another semi-permanent option. The tattoo is usually placed on the belly or inner thigh. Tattoos have some benefits compared to microchips:
- The ID number is instantly visible unlike a microchip.
- They can last a lifetime if applied properly.
However, tattoos also have some drawbacks:
- The procedure requires sedation and is more invasive than microchipping.
- Over time, tattoos can fade or blur making them hard to read.
- Not all shelters or vets routinely check for pet tattoos.
Collar Tags
Engraved pet ID tags on a collar are a simple and popular option. Benefits of collar tags include:
- They are inexpensive and easy to obtain.
- Information is immediately visible.
- Tags can be updated with new information.
However, collar tags also have disadvantages:
- Tags can fall off collars and become lost.
- Limited space for contact info.
- Information is exposed and can wear down over time.
Overall, while tattoos and collar tags have some benefits, microchipping remains the most reliable and convenient way to identify lost pets long-term.