During the show Petkey will be offering to scan dogs and check they are microchipped.  They will also be checking to see if each microchipped pet is registered and that their microchip is linked to their owners contact information.  If it isn’t or if they are not microchipped they will be offering discounted registrations.

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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 simple, quick, and performed at your veterinarian’s office. The chip 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 usually reacts no more than he would to a vaccine.

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

A: Microchips are not tracking devices and do not work like GPS. They are tiny radio-frequency identification (RFID) implants that provide permanent ID for your pet. When a microchip scanner is passed over your pet, the chip is powered by the scanner and transmits its unique ID number. Since there’s no battery and no moving parts, nothing wears out or needs replacing – it lasts your pet’s lifetime.

 

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

A: Tags are important, but they can fall off, become unreadable, or be removed. A microchip provides permanent, secure identification that stays with your pet for life.

 

Q: What is included when I microchip my pet?

A: With Petkey, microchipping includes lifetime enrollment in their national recovery database. Your chip information is registered for you, so nothing is forgotten. You’ll receive a welcome email and can create a personalized profile for your pet. If your pet was adopted or purchased from a breeder, they may already have a microchip — check your paperwork or ask your vet to scan for one at your next visit.

Petkey also provides:

• 24/7 live recovery support to help reunite you with your pet any time, day or night.

• Lost Pet Alerts sent to shelters, vets, and members within a 25-mile radius if your pet goes missing.

• Participation in the AAHA Universal Microchip Lookup Tool, used by shelters and clinics nationwide to ensure your pet’s chip can be found and traced.

 

Q: Isn’t microchipping only for dogs?

A: Nope! Both cats and dogs can be microchipped. Cats especially benefit since most don’t wear collars. A recent study showed that less than 2% of cats without microchips were reunited with owners, compared to a return-to-owner rate 20 times higher for microchipped cats.

 

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

A: No. A microchip only carries a unique ID number. When your pet is scanned, that number is used by Petkey to look up your registration and contact you. Keeping your contact info up to date is vital. Use your cell phone as your primary number, and always report your pet missing in your Petkey account so alerts can go out immediately.

 

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

A: Just once! A microchip is made of bio-compatible materials and is designed to last a lifetime. At annual vet visits, ask to have the chip scanned to confirm it’s still working — although malfunctions are very rare.