Can You Really Track Your Dog With a Microchip? The Truth About Pet Tracking

Have you ever wondered, “how do I track my dog with a chip?” Maybe your furry friend has a tendency to wander off, or perhaps you’re just worried about what might happen if they ever got lost. Well, you’re not alone! As a pet parent myself, I’ve had those same concerns, which is why I decided to dig deep into the world of pet microchips and tracking.

What I discovered might surprise you – and it’s super important info that every dog owner needs to know So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s clear up some major misconceptions about microchips and how they actually work!

The Big Microchip Myth: Can You GPS Track Your Dog With a Microchip?

Let’s cut to the chase – NO, you cannot track your dog’s location with a microchip. This is probably the biggest misconception pet owners have about microchipping.

Despite what many people believe, microchips are NOT GPS tracking devices. They don’t have batteries, they don’t transmit signals, and they can’t tell you where your lost pup is wandering around.

So what exactly IS a microchip then? Think of it more like a permanent ID card rather than a tracking device. It’s a tiny electronic chip (about the size of a grain of rice) that’s inserted under your dog’s skin between their shoulder blades. The chip contains a unique identification number – that’s it!

When scanned by a special reader at a vet’s office or animal shelter, this ID number can be looked up in a registry database to find your contact information. It’s a way to identify your pet if they’re found, not a way to locate them when they’re lost.

How Microchips Actually Work

To understand why you can’t track your dog with a microchip, it helps to know how they really work:

1. Passive RFID Technology Microchips use Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology They’re passive devices with no power source.

2. Activation by Scanner: The chip only activates when a scanner passes over it. The scanner’s radio waves momentarily power the chip, allowing it to transmit its ID number back to the scanner.

3. Registry Lookup Once the unique ID number is obtained, it must be looked up in a registry database where your contact info is stored

4. Owner Contact: The shelter or vet office then uses your registered contact information to get in touch with you.

The key thing to remember is that microchips rely on someone finding your pet, scanning the chip, and contacting you. The chip itself doesn’t broadcast any signal or location data.

What To Do If Your Microchipped Dog Is Lost

If your microchipped dog goes missing, here’s what you should do:

1. Check Your Registration Information

First things first – verify that your microchip is properly registered with your current contact information. You’d be surprised how many pet owners forget to update their info when they move or change phone numbers!

You can check your registration in several ways:

• Enter your pet’s microchip number in the AAHA Pet Microchip Lookup tool
• Contact your microchip company directly
• Call your vet who might have your microchip records

If you can’t find your pet’s microchip number, check:

• Your pet’s adoption papers
• Vet records
• The paperwork you received when your pet was microchipped

2. Report Your Pet as Lost in the Microchip Registry

Once you’ve confirmed your registration information is correct, report your pet as lost in the microchip company’s database. This flags your pet in the system, so if someone finds them and scans the chip, the company will know they’re missing and can expedite the reunification process.

3. Contact Local Shelters and Animal Hospitals

Don’t just rely on the microchip! Be proactive and:

• Call all local animal shelters and veterinary offices
• Send them a photo and description of your dog
• Ask them to scan any found dogs matching your pet’s description
• Check with them daily, as new animals arrive constantly

4. Create and Distribute “Lost Pet” Flyers

While waiting for someone to find and scan your dog’s microchip:

• Create eye-catching flyers with a clear photo
• Include your contact information
• Mention that your dog is microchipped (this may encourage finders to take them to a shelter or vet)
• Post them around your neighborhood, at local businesses, and in parks

Microchipping vs. GPS Tracking: Understanding the Difference

Since microchips don’t actually track your dog’s location, what options do you have if you want real-time tracking? Here’s a comparison:

If you want to actually track your dog’s whereabouts, you’ll need a GPS tracking device specifically designed for pets. These devices:

• Attach to your dog’s collar
• Transmit location data in real-time
• Connect to an app on your smartphone
• Require battery charging
• Usually involve a monthly subscription fee

The good news is you can use BOTH a microchip (for permanent identification) AND a GPS tracker (for real-time location monitoring) for maximum protection.

Common Questions About Dog Microchips and Tracking

Can I scan my dog’s microchip with my phone?

Nope! Regular smartphones cannot scan pet microchips. The chips operate on specific radio frequencies that require specialized scanners available at vet offices and animal shelters.

There are some microchip companies like Save This Life™ that offer innovative solutions where people who find your pet can Google a number on your pet’s ID tag to alert you. But this still isn’t scanning the actual microchip with a phone.

How much does it cost to microchip a dog?

Microchipping typically costs between $25-$60 depending on your location and veterinarian. Some places, like Save This Life™, offer microchips for around $45 that come with additional benefits like emergency care coverage if your pet gets lost.

Remember that most microchips are a one-time fee with no monthly charges (unlike GPS trackers which usually require subscriptions).

Can a microchip be removed from a dog?

Technically yes, but it’s rare and requires a surgical procedure by a veterinarian. Microchips are designed to be a permanent form of identification, and there’s rarely a medical reason to remove one.

Can any vet scan a microchip?

Yes! Any vet office or animal shelter should have universal scanners that can read all standard pet microchips. However, they’re not required to scan every animal that comes in unless requested, so if you find a lost pet, always ask for it to be scanned.

Can a dog be microchipped but not registered?

Absolutely, and this happens more often than you’d think! The microchip itself is just a number – it’s useless without registration connecting that number to your contact information. If you adopt a dog from a previous owner, always verify that the microchip is registered with your current info.

The Importance of Proper Microchip Registration

I can’t stress this enough – getting your dog microchipped is only half the battle. The chip is essentially useless if it’s not properly registered with your up-to-date contact information.

Here’s why registration is crucial:

• Without registration, the microchip is just a random number that doesn’t lead back to you
• Studies show that microchipped pets are far more likely to be returned to their owners, but ONLY when the chips are registered
• Even if registered, outdated contact info can prevent reunification

When registering your pet’s microchip:

• Complete the registration immediately after microchipping
• Include multiple contact methods (phone, email, address)
• Update your information whenever it changes
• Consider adding an emergency contact as backup

The Best of Both Worlds: Using Microchips AND GPS Trackers

For maximum protection, I recommend using both technologies:

1. Microchip – For permanent identification that can’t fall off or be removed
2. GPS Tracker – For active monitoring and location tracking

This two-pronged approach gives you:

• A permanent ID solution if your dog loses their collar
• Real-time tracking for immediate location information
• Peace of mind knowing you’ve covered all bases

What To Do When You Find a Lost Dog

If you find someone else’s lost dog:

1. Take them to a vet or shelter to be scanned for a microchip
2. If they have a Save This Life™ tag, simply Google the number on the tag
3. If no microchip is found, check for ID tags and report the found pet to local shelters

Remember, someone is likely frantically searching for their beloved pet, just as you would be if your dog went missing.

Final Thoughts: The Truth About Tracking Your Dog With a Chip

So to answer the original question – “how do I track my dog with a chip?” – the simple truth is that you can’t track your dog with a microchip alone. Microchips are incredible tools for identification and reunification, but they aren’t tracking devices.

Instead, consider microchips as your backup plan – your dog’s permanent ID card that helps them find their way home if all other identification is lost. For active tracking, invest in a quality GPS pet tracker.

The best protection comes from using multiple safety measures:

• Microchipping (with up-to-date registration)
• ID tags with current contact info
• GPS tracking device
• Proper training and secure containment

By understanding the limitations and benefits of each tool, you can make informed decisions about how best to protect your four-legged family member.

Have you had any experiences with microchips or GPS trackers for your pets? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below! And if you found this article helpful, please share it with other pet parents who might benefit from knowing the truth about microchips and pet tracking.

Stay pawsitive, and keep those furry friends safe!

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about the best identification and tracking options for your specific pet.