The thought of losing a pet is every owner’s worst
nightmare. According to Maricopa Animal Care and Control’s 2014 Annual Report,
only 11% of the 38,235 animals that entered the shelter were able to be
returned to their owners. Luckily, there are steps we can take to increase the
probability that a lost furry friend will be celebrating a joyful reunion.
Although a collar and tags are important, they can easily
fall off or be removed. By electing to microchip your pet, you will have the
most permanent form of identification working to protect your beloved dog or
cat. Microchips insure a higher probability that your pet will be returned to
you.
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| Microchip compared to grain of rice. |
What is a microchip?
A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice. Each
microchip is encased in bio-compatible glass and contains an actual chip that
holds information and components that emit a radio frequency. A microchip is
not a GPS device, nor does it actively transmit signals. A microchip is
considered passive and only transmits a radio frequency when a scanner is waved
within close proximity of the chip.
How is the microchip
inserted?
Microchipping may sound like an invasive procedure;
however, it is very easy and routine. Microchipping a pet works just like a
vaccination and does not require surgery or anesthesia. A microchip is contained
within a sterile needle on the end of a syringe device. Typically for a dog or
cat, a chip is inserted just under the skin in between the shoulder
blades. The procedure is completed
quickly and your pet will experience little to no pain very similar to
vaccinations.
What do I do after my
pet is microchipped?
You have taken an important, proactive step to protect your
pet but your job is not done just yet! A microchip is nearly useless if you do
not complete the registration process. Each microchip comes with a unique ID
code that is entered into the microchip manufacturer’s database. In order for a
microchip to be effective, you must register the chip so that the ID code
corresponds with your contact information.
It is also important that if you move or change your phone number that
you update your records with the microchip registration company as well.
Many microchip companies charge a registration fee, so plan
for the possibility of this cost which averages around $20. Depending on where your pet is micro chipped,
the registration fee may be covered in the implantation cost. Ask if there is
an additional registration or annual fee you need to pay in order to ensure the
chip will be a beneficial tool. It is important to research the various
microchip companies, the fees involved, and the services they provide in order
to find which brand is best for you and your pet.
It is a good idea to register with the manufacturer, but you
can also register the chip with a universal database or elect this option
instead. Two examples of universal databases are HomeAgain and PetLink. Universal databases may offer additional
services, including but not limited to, a 24/7 emergency hotline, lost pet guidance,
lost pet alerts, travel assistance for
pets found far from home, microchip tags
for the collar, online search, and direct connection to the finder of your pet.
If you cannot afford the fees that often come with some of
these databases, consider utilizing Free Pet Chip Registry. This company is working to become a universal
and free database for microchip registration.
How is a microchip
read?
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| Microchip scanner. |
A microchip is read using a scanner. Vets, shelters, clinics,
and many police and fire stations have scanners which they wave over the pet’s
body. If a chip is present, the scanner will initiate and read the radio
frequency of the chip and the assigned ID code will appear on the screen. Codes
are categorized by microchip companies. The corresponding company is then
contacted to look up owner information within their database. General databases
can also be used to search for owner information and may cover multiple brands.
If your chip is registered and up to date, the company will
be able to contact you and inform you where your pet is and who to contact to
retrieve your pet. Micro chipping greatly increases the chances of pet
recovery, especially when a collar and tags can fall off or be removed.
How can I be a
proactive owner?
·
If registration is offered through your veterinarian,
clinic, or shelter: call the database company to verify your information is
entered correctly and verify their terms of service.
·
Keep a record of your pet’s microchip number,
the contact information for the manufacturer and the database the chip is
registered in. Provide a record for your regular veterinarian if the pet was
not chipped at their office. Always leave this information with a family
member, boarding facility, or pet sitter if you are traveling away from your
pet.
·
Update your information anytime you move or
change your phone number. If you register an emergency contact, ensure this
information is up to date as well.
·
Have your vet or clinic scan your pet’s chip
once a year to ensure effectiveness.
Where can I get my
pet micro chipped and how much will it cost?
If you have a veterinarian, call and ask about their
microchips to find out the manufacturer and cost. Always ask if registration is
included and if the company they use charges annual fees as prices can vary.
Call Kaibab Animal Hospital at (480) 947-8113 today for an appointment to get your pet microchipped. We use HomeAgain microchips and include a tag for your pet’s collar as well as registration. If you have additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to give us a call and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.
We are open Monday
through Friday 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM and
Sundays 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Kaibab Animal Hospital is located at 3010 North 68th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
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