FAQ’s about Micro-Chipping my pet

 

Q: Will it hurt my pet when he gets the microchip implanted?

A: It won’t hurt any more than a routine vaccination – having a microchip implanted doesn’t even require anesthetic. The procedure is performed at your veterinarian’s office and is simple and similar to administering a vaccine or a routine shot. The microchip comes preloaded in a sterile applicator and is injected under the loose skin between the shoulder blades. The process takes only a few seconds, and your pet will not react any more than he would to a vaccination.

 

Q: Will a microchip tell me my pet’s location?

A: Pet microchips are not tracking devices and do not work like global positioning devices (GPS). They are radio-frequency identification (RFID) implants that provide permanent ID for your pet. They use RFID technology, microchips do not require a power source like a GPS. When a microchip scanner is passed over the pet, the microchip gets enough power from the scanner to transmit the microchip’s ID number. Since there’s no battery and no moving parts, there’s nothing to keep charged, wear out, or replace. The microchip will last your pet’s lifetime.

 

Q: Why does my pet need a microchip when he already wears a collar with tags?

A: All pets should wear collar tags imprinted with their name and the phone number of their pet parent, but only a microchip provides permanent ID that cannot fall off, be removed, or become impossible to read.

 

Q: How much does it cost to microchip my pet?

A: The average cost to have a microchip implanted by a veterinarian is around $45-70.

 

Q: What is included when I microchip my pet?

This includes lifetime enrollment. They will register your microchip information into the database for you, so there in no chance of this important step being forgotten. You  will then receive a welcome email after being enrolled. You can then create your pet’s own personal profile. If your pet was adopted from a shelter or purchased from a breeder, your pet may already have a microchip. Consult your pet adoption paperwork, or have your pet scanned for a microchip at  your next vet visit to reveal the unique microchip ID number and register it in the chip manufacturer’s database.

 

Q: Isn’t microchipping only for dogs?

A: Both cats and dogs can be microchipped.

Cats often do not wear collars, and may not have any other

form of ID. A recent study showed that less than 2% of cats

without microchips were returned home. However, if a cat is

microchipped, the return-to-owner rate is 20 times higher than if the cat was not microchipped.

 

Q: Can anyone with a scanner access my contact information from the chip?

A: Microchips carry only a unique identification number.

If your pet gets lost and is taken to a vet clinic or animal shelter, your pet will be scanned for a microchip to reveal his unique ID number.  That number will be called into the pet recovery service, and you will be contacted using the contact information on file with your pet’s microchip.

**It is vital to keep your contact information up to date so that you can be reached.  If you are ever separated from your pet, please be sure to call to report the pet as missing. It is also suggested using your cell phone as your primary phone number on your account.

 

Q: How many times do I need to microchip my pet?

A: A microchip will normally last the lifetime of your pet because it is composed of bio-compatible materials that will not degenerate over time. We highly recommend having your pet’s chip scanned at each annual visit to your vet on the rare chance it COULD malfunction.