Microchip your Pets  

Millions of cats and dogs, along with other pets like horses, birds and livestock are now outfitted with microchips.  Why?  Simply because it is one of the most effective and affordable ways to find your pet in the event of loss.

Only the size of a grain of rice, these tiny chips are easily placed under your pet's skin.  Each chip holds an identification number, unique to your animal.  Special scanners are then required to view the vital information placed on the chip.  Fortunately, most veterinarian offices, animal shelters, and research laboratories carry scanners on-site, making it even easier for you to recover your lost pet.  Several registries around the world offer membership for microchipped pets for reasonable annual fees. 

How does the microchip work?

The microchip is injected under your pet's skin with a hypodermic needle.  Once there, the microchip proves to be completely safe to your animal and requires no further care.  Over time, a thin layer of connective tissue forms around the microchip, holding it in place. 

You then register your pet's microchip number with a registry, often the one provided by the microchip's manufacturer.  However, you may also consider using a different program, depending on your needs. 

When your pet is found, a microchip scanner is passed over the animal, sending radio signals through the skin in order to "read" the microchip registration number.  The microchip scanner has a viewing window that displays the number.  The scanner is absolutely safe and will not harm your pet.

How long does the microchip last?

Microchips don't require any power supply or battery and has been designed to last for over 25 years.  Most microchip manufacturers guarantee the microchip for the life of your pet.

 Where do I get my pet microchipped?

Check with your veterinarian or local animal shelter.  Most will be more than happy to assist you.

 Does the injection hurt?  Will the microchip bother my pet?

It's quite possible your pet will react to the injection.  It IS a shot after all.  However, though the needles used to inject the microchip is larger than a standard hypodermic needle, there is no undue pain or stress to your pet.  No anethesia is required.  The microchip itself is biocompatible and unobtrusive, meaning once placed, your pet will not even know it's there.  It is extremely unlikely your pet will develop any allergies to the microchip, or need any additional microchip care.

How much will it cost?

Veterinarians generally charge between $25 - $60 for this service.  You may find that if you purchase your pet from an animal shelter or breeder that your animal will already have a microchip in place.

 Who makes microchips?

The two most popular manufacturers are Avid microchip and Home Again microchip.  You can locate their registries, find local veterinarians using their product and learn more about microchipping at their respective websites, www.avidmicrochip.com and www.homeagainid.com.  Both companies provide animal shelters with the scanners used to read microchips.

Where can I register my pet's microchip number?

As the manufacturers of microchips, both Avid and Home Again provide excellent registry services.  Find more information about their registries at www.avidmicrochip.com or www.homeagainid.com.

Or you may consider registering your pet at the AKC (American Kennel Club) registry.  You don't need to be a member of the AKC to utilize this service and cost is approximately $12.50/year.  Find more information about their Companion Animal Recovery program at http://www.akc.org/ .

Please remember:  microchips are an excellent safety measure, however, most "regular" people won't have the means available to scan for a microchip.  As a result, it's so important you have a collar and ID tag on your dog or cat, too.  ID tags are usually the first thing people look for when they find a stray pet.