Microchip FAQ
by Amanda Campos, CVT
What is a microchip?
A microchip is a small electronic chip encoded with a unique identification number. When scanned with a specialized scanner, the identification number is displayed which then allows contact information associated with that number to be searched on an online database. Animal shelters and veterinary offices have access to these specialized chip scanners. The same microchips are used for both dogs and cats.
How are microchips placed?
Microchips are routinely placed by veterinarians using a sterile, pre-loaded syringe with a needle that is slightly larger than a standard vaccine needle. The standard location to implant the microchip is under the loose skin between an animals shoulder blades. It is a quick, noninvasive procedure that most cats and dogs tolerate very well. No anesthesia is required. When done by a veterinary professional, there is very little risk of harm or side effects from microchip implantation.
Are microchips dangerous?
Microchips are not dangerous. They do not emit radiation and they do not contain a battery. Only 400 adverse reactions have been reported out of over 4 million animals since 1996. The most common of these adverse reactions is migration of the microchip from where it was originally implanted, which only becomes an issue if the person scanning the pet fails to do a thorough scan over the body. Confirmation of microchip placement can be done by your veterinarian. The act of scanning the microchip is noninvasive and painless for the pet.
Is a microchip a tracking device or GPS?
Microchips do not contain GPS capabilities. They are unable to help locate where a lost animal is. They are only activated once scanned with a chip reader. The only information available through a microchip is the unique identification number encoded in each chip. It does not store your name or contact information.
Why does my cat (or dog) need a microchip?
In the unfortunate event that your pet gets lost, a microchip greatly increases the chance of them being returned to you. Studies have shown that microchipped cats and dogs are 20 times more likely to be returned to their owner. While collars and name tags are also beneficial for this reason, microchips have the added benefit of being permanent. Microchips are unable to be torn off or removed making them a lifelong safety measure for your pet.
How can I keep my microchip contact information updated?
Keeping your contact information up to date is critical to the safety of your pet. Microchips are only beneficial if your contact information is up to date on the online database. The typical contact information attached to the microchip number is the phone number and address of the owner. When you adopt your cat or dog from an animal rescue such as Chicagoland Animal Rescue, a microchip informational packet should be included with the paperwork with instructions on how to register your information online. Make sure to edit this information if you ever move or change your phone number. Chicagoland Animal Rescue animals will come with a Petlink microchip. You can edit your contact information on their website, www.petlink.net.
Is there an annual fee for microchips?
There are no annual fees to keep your pet’s microchip working. Some microchip companies, such as HomeAgain, provide additional services, such as a 24 hour medical hotline or found pet travel assistance, which do require an annual fee. However, if you do not wish to utilize those services, your contact information will still remain in the microchip registration database and be searchable in the unfortunate circumstance that your pet is lost.
Sources:
American Veterinary Medical Association, www.avma.org
American Kennel Club, www.akc.org
HomeAgain, www.homeagain.com
