The microchip is inserted under your pets skin, it is small (about the size of a grain of rice) and has an unique number embedded on it, this number when registered, is then linked to the owner of the pet. This form of identification comes in handy if your pet gets lost and loses its tags and/or collar.
Inserting the microchip:
Inserting a microchip does not require surgery or, in most cases, even sedation. It is inserted deep under the skin between the shoulder blades with a large needle. Veterinarians who have microchipping services will usually recommend, or at least mention, the microchip to new puppy and kitten owners.
Most owners will choose to have this procedure done at the same time as a spay or neuter surgery so their pet does not have to feel the big needle required to insert the microchip. I have witnessed many microchip insertion procedures and although it is a big needle, most animals including small breed dogs and cats do not even flinch when the microchip is being inserted, so if you are interested in this procedure do not feel you have to have your pet sedated for it.
Why microchip?
Microchip pet identification is used in cases where collars and ID tags have been lost. Most cats lose their collars frequently, the microchip can't be lost. A lot of breeders and rescue groups have started having microchips inserted in their puppies and kittens before they go to new homes as a primary means of identification.
Microchip identification has been given the OK by the AKC as long as the microchip number is recorded on the animals record and a scanner is present. Another reason to microchip is in cases where you choose to travel with your pet. What are you going to do if Fido runs off at a pit stop 1000 miles from home? In some cases a microchip is your best chance at getting your pet back. Also, if you choose to leave the US with your pet some countries require pets to have a microchip.
How do microchips work?
Microchips have an unique number, when a hand held scanner is moved over the body of the animal the scanner is able to read the number on the microchip. The microchip company is then called and the number given to the operator. The operator is then able to look in their database for the owners information. Most shelters and humane society's now have scanners and use them on all animal's that come in their doors.
Are microchips expensive?
Microchips are not as expensive as many people believe. The insertion cost varies by animal clinic, but most are between 30 and 40 dollars. The microchip number then needs to be registered with the microchip company, that cost is usually between 15 and 20 dollars. The registration fee is generally a one time fee unless information needs to be changed or updated.
Microchip companies available:
The most widely used microchip companies in the US are AVID and HomeAgain. These companies are both widely recognized. Most veterinarians carry one or the other, but not both. The local animal shelters are generally able to scan for both chips, if they scan an animal with an AVID scanner and a HomeAgain chip has been inserted in the animal, the scanner will alert the handler that a chip is present.
So regardless as to which microchip you choose to use your pet can be found with a scanner, and when a veterinarian decides to carry microchips the microchip company will give a scanner to the veterinarian and the local shelter.
Microchips are important but do not replace collars, ID tags, and rabbies tags, these are still the primary means to getting your pet back when they are lost. Microchips become more important in cases where an animal is stolen and you need a means to positively identify the pet or in cases where the collar has broken away and the shelter has picked up the animal.
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Charla Dawson - I work as a veterinary nurse in a busy veterinary hospital in Wichita, KS. I love my job but it can be difficult when the abuse cases come ...
