Microchips are a permanent way to identify your dog and link them with you no matter what happens. Any shelter or veterinarian that scans your pet’s microchip can find your contact details so you can be reunited as quickly as possible.
Answers to some of the most common questions about microchips in dogs.
Microchip FAQs
Jump to specific sections:
- What is the purpose of pet microchips?
- What Size Is The Needle?
- How are pet microchips implanted?
- What is the location of their implant?
- Do You Have a Feeling of a Microchip?
- Is Pet Microchipping Painful?
- Does it cause side effects?
- How much does it cost?
- Can You Track a Pet With a Microchip?
- Do Pet Microchips Need Batteries?
- What kind of animals can be microchipped?
- How do I connect my information to the microchip number ?
- For how long does a microchip last?
How do pet microchips work?
The microchips that you place under the skin of your dog are small implants, about the same size as a rice grain.
A microchip is a small device that contains an identification number unique to your dog. This becomes his permanent ID. The microchip will then link the contact details of your pet to you once it has been implanted.
Handheld scanners are available at all veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and pet stores. They can read your dog’s chip number and determine the microchip manufacturer.
The vet, shelter or microchip company can be contacted after scanning your dog. Your vet receives your contact details and the microchip number after verifying it.
Once you’ve microchipped your pet, it’s important that you immediately go to the website of the microchip manufacturer and input your contact information. Your vet can provide you with the website or phone number to do it over the telephone.
How big is the needle?
Microchip companies vary in their size. Most microchip needles for dogs and cats are between 12 and 15 gauge.
What is the procedure for implanting pet microchips?
The same as a shot or vaccine, microchips can be implanted. The skin is punctured with a needle, then a syringe containing a microchip embedded in it is inserted.
After scanning the microchip, it is administered as appropriate.
Where are they implanted?
The microchip for dogs is placed under the skin between the shoulder blades.
Do You Have a Feeling of a Microchip?
You may feel the microchip in thin-skinned animals or those with poor condition.
Is Pet Microchipping Painful?
The microchipping process is painless. The microchip is administered in seconds.
Does it have side effects?
Every year millions of microchips get implanted, with minimal side effects. Research has shown that, in general, the benefits of microchips outweigh any possible side effects.
Side effects reported can be minor, such as tenderness for up to 24 hours at the injection site. They may also include more serious problems like abscess or tumor encapsulation.
What is the cost?
The price of a microchip ranges from $15 up to $50.
Can You Track a Pet With a Microchip?
The microchips don’t have GPS tracking capability.
RFID technology (Radio Frequency ID Device) is used in microchips. This allows a scanner emitting an electric field to activate the chip.
The scanner will display the permanent identification number once the microchip has been activated.
Do Pet Microchips Need Batteries?
Batteries are not required for microchips. These are radio-frequency emitting implants.
Which animals can be microchipped?
All animals are eligible for microchipping. Dogs, cats, horses, and birds are the species most commonly microchipped.
What is the microchip number?
You will receive a permanent microchip ID number as well as the associated microchip manufacturer once your pet has been microchipped.
Contact the microchip provider via phone or website to register your new pet’s microchip and provide your contact details.
It is important to keep your contact details up-to-date with the microchip provider. Your information will become outdated in the database of your microchip company, making it more difficult to find you and return your dog.
For how long does a microchip last?
The microchips will last the entire life of an animal.