A dog’s identification is one of the most important things you can do to keep them safe.
A microchip implant is a small, rice-sized device that will hold all your contact information.
It is implanted just under the skin between your pet’s shoulder blades and stays there for life (usually).
If your pet ever gets lost or stolen, they can be scanned by an animal shelter or vet clinic and quickly returned home.
The chip does not require any batteries.
It works on passive RFID technology which draws power from incoming radio waves like those emitted by cellular networks.
What is a microchip?
microchip is a tiny electronic device about the size of a grain of rice (about 15mm long and 4mm in diameter).
It is implanted into your pet between their shoulder blades during a simple procedure.
Like humans, pets have unique identifying numbers called an ISO standard microchip number.
If your pet becomes lost or stolen, a veterinary clinic or animal shelter can scan your pet to read its microchip number.
The chip’s unique ISO standard number links back to your contact information, which allows us to reunite you and your pet.
How does it work?
A microchip is a tiny electronic device that stores information.
It needs no power source, as it draws the energy it needs to power itself from incoming radio waves.
When your pet is given a microchip, an identifying number called an ISO standard microchip number is programmed into it.
This unique number is linked back to your contact information, which allows us to reunite you and your pet.
How much is microchipping your dog?
It costs between $45 to $100 depending on the vet.
In UK, it costs about £40, which is approximately $55 USD.
The microchipping process takes only minutes to complete and your pet will not need any recovery time, as there will be no after-effects from the procedure.
How can I get my dog microchipped?
Have your vet scan your pet at the next appointment for microchipping.
If they do not have a scanner, encourage them to buy one.
Pet owners who get their pets microchipped can help to ensure that if it ever gets lost or stolen.
It will be returned home swiftly and safely via a local animal shelter or veterinary clinic.
Check with your local vets as some of them offer this service free of charge!
What age can you microchip a puppy?
The best time is between 8-16 weeks old.
Some clinics may have a wait list if you are not able to get in right away.
The earlier your pet is microchipped, the better!
It will be less likely to get lost and easier for you and your vet to keep the contact information up-to-date.
What are the rules on microchipping and collaring?
Microchipping can be done at the same time as a rabies vaccination.
Your dog must wear its current identification tag on its collar.
You cannot combine your pets microchip number with its existing identification tag.
If you move or have an address change, let us know right away so that we can keep your pet’s information up-to-date.
How long does it last?
A microchip implant is a permanent form of identification.
The microchip will last your pet’s lifetime, however it is possible for the chip to become dislodged or damaged.
It is also possible that a scanner will not be able to read the chip number if the pet has been outside in very hot or cold weather, or if it has become wet.
If you are really worried about your pet being lost and not being able to be scanned, speak to your local vet about microchipping them with a scanner-readable tag such as an RFID or NFC chip.
Should you chip your dog?
Microchipping is very important for your pet’s safety and also to keep you updated on the chip information in case they ever get lost.
It is also a good idea for your vet to scan your pet and update the chip information in case of any emergencies.
By chipping your dog, you could help reunite them with their owner if they ever wander off so that you can ensure a safe return home.
What happens when a dog gets chipped?
When your pet gets chipped, it is a simple procedure under sedation.
There are no after effects and they can go home the same day.
The implanted chip is about the size of a grain of rice and it will be placed under your dog’s skin on the back of the neck.
You will be given a special scanner which you can use to check for any microchips your pet may have in it.
If your pet gets lost, you can contact your local shelter or police station and check their microchip register to see if they have any details on the location of your pet.
If your dog is found by an animal shelter, they will scan for a microchip and see if there is a contact number on file.
If the shelter finds that your pet is chipped, they will send it to the vet clinic you have provided in the contact information.
What are the side effects of microchipping a dog?
There are no side effects from the microchipping procedure.
Your pet will come home the same day and there will not be any recovery time.
The procedure is completely safe and your pet should have no after-effects.
Conclusion
If you are a dog owner, it is important to microchip them.
A chip will give your pet an identity and if they get lost or stolen.
The contact information of their owners can be accessed by shelters and vets who scan for chips.
Microchips work by embedding a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device under the skin between the shoulder blades with a syringe needle that takes less than five seconds.
The cost ranges from £30-£140 depending on where you go in UK.
In most cases.
Puppies should not be chipped until at least six months old because this prevents complications such as infection around the wound site due to premature closure of skin tissues over the implanted area before bone growth is complete which may lead to complications if the pet were to get lost or stolen.
