A microchip is worthless unless you maintain your contact information in a registry database.
If you do not know what a microchip is, a microchip is an implanted identification tag inserted beneath the dog’s skin. The purpose of the microchip is to provide a form of permanent identification for your dog in the event you get separated from them. Be aware, the microchips used in pets are passive, meaning they do not actively transmit information. It is not a GPS, nor does it track your dog’s location; it displays its information only when scanned with a special tool. There is no battery or internal power source, it is simply a capsule containing a unique identifier in the form of a number.
Most microchips are roughly the size of a large grain of rice and are implanted by a veterinarian via a special syringe-type tool beneath the dog’s skin, typically between its shoulder blades. The microchip is injected in a simple, painless manner no more invasive than a vaccination process.
Microchips, also known as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, simply store a unique identification number that can be accessed when scanned with a special tool that displays the microchip’s unique number. This distinct number is associated only with your dog’s microchip - it’s like a social security number for your dog.
The special scanning tools should be available at all veterinary offices and shelters if you happen to find a lost pet.
There are several brands of microchips and registry databases, and some of the registry databases accept brands of microchips other than their own. Some of the popular names that come to mind are American Kennel Club’s AKC Reunite, 24PetWatch, HomeAgain, Petlink, and Save This Life. Save This Life even has a recovery system utilizing Google search. These databases contain pet owners’ contact information associated with their pet’s unique microchip identification number. Consult your trusted veterinarian about which microchip system they recommend and use at their office.
If your lost pet is found and its microchip number is identified in a database, the registry database will be able to contact and connect you with the finding party to reunite you with your lost pet. Just because your pet has a microchip does not mean they shouldn’t also possess a hard ID tag on their collar containing your contact information; we always recommend this as this is typically the first and easiest indicator if your pet becomes lost and is found by someone.
The microchip itself is only good if you register it and maintain your contact information in a registry database.
This is the most important takeaway: Many people forget to register their information completely or fail to update their contact information as it changes over time. The point of the microchip is to reunite you with your pet if you become separated; this is very difficult if your contact information is not associated with your pet’s microchip, or your information has not been updated or maintained.
If you have not done so recently, please take time to check and update your information with your microchip registry. Your dog will thank you.
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