Millions of pets in the United States have microchips so they can be returned to their homes if they become lost. A collar and tag with your phone number may be the easiest way for you to be reunited with your pet, but collars can slip off — and a microchip can’t.
In celebration of National Microchipping Month, we’ve broken down the basics with these five facts about microchipping your pet.
Let’s face it – the thought of implanting a foreign object into your furry best friend can be kinda scary. As a dog owner myself I totally get the hesitation! But with so many conflicting opinions out there about microchipping, it’s hard to separate fact from fiction.
I’ve done the research and gathered all the important info about microchips for dogs – the good, the bad, and everything in between This comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision about whether microchipping is right for your pup
What Exactly Is a Microchip?
A microchip is a tiny electronic device about the size of a grain of rice. It’s enclosed in a glass cylinder and gets implanted under your dog’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. The microchip doesn’t have a battery or moving parts – it’s activated by a scanner that passes over it, and the radio waves from the scanner make the chip transmit its unique identification number.
Contrary to popular belief, microchips are not GPS tracking devices. They can’t track your dog’s location if they get lost. They simply store an ID number that, when scanned, can be used to look up your contact information in a registry database.
The Microchipping Procedure: What to Expect
The implantation process is surprisingly simple
- The microchip is injected under the skin using a hypodermic needle
- No surgery or anesthesia is required
- It can be done during a routine vet visit
- It’s about as painful as a regular injection (though the needle is slightly larger)
- Many vets will implant the chip while your dog is already under anesthesia for spaying/neutering
The Benefits of Microchipping Your Dog
1. Dramatically Increases Chances of Reunion
According to a study of more than 7,700 stray animals at shelters across 23 states, microchipped dogs were returned to their owners at more than double the rate of non-microchipped dogs. For cats, the difference was even more dramatic!
2. Permanent Identification
Unlike collars and tags that can break, fall off, or be removed, microchips provide permanent identification. They typically last for your dog’s entire lifetime.
3. Quick and Simple Process
The procedure takes seconds and can be done during a routine vet visit without any special preparation.
4. Affordable One-Time Cost
Microchipping usually costs between $25-$50, depending on your vet. Some animal shelters offer microchipping for even less.
5. Peace of Mind
Knowing your dog has permanent ID can provide significant peace of mind if they ever get lost or stolen.
Potential Downsides and Risks of Microchipping
While microchipping is generally considered safe, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks:
1. Migration
The most common issue is the microchip moving from its original implantation site. This can make it harder (but not impossible) to detect with a scanner.
2. Scanner Compatibility Issues
Different microchips operate at different frequencies, and not all scanners can read all frequencies. However, universal scanners that can detect multiple frequencies are becoming more common.
3. Adverse Reactions
Some dogs may experience mild reactions at the implantation site, such as:
- Swelling
- Hair loss
- Infection (very rare)
- Tumor formation (extremely rare)
4. Cancer Risk Concerns
There have been some reports linking microchips to cancer in laboratory animals, but it’s important to put this in context:
- Most of these cases were in mice and rats being used in cancer studies
- These rodent species are already prone to developing tumors
- There have been only a very small number of cases in pets
- No causal relationship has been proven
- The AVMA states that the benefits far outweigh this extremely low risk
Common Myths About Microchipping Debunked
Myth #1: “Microchips are GPS trackers”
Truth: Microchips have no tracking capability. They only store an ID number that’s activated when scanned.
Myth #2: “Microchips invade my privacy”
Truth: The only information in the database is what you provide when registering. There are protections in place so random people can’t look up your information.
Myth #3: “The implantation procedure is painful and invasive”
Truth: It’s a quick injection similar to a vaccine, not a surgical procedure.
Myth #4: “Microchips make tags and collars unnecessary”
Truth: Microchips are a backup, not a replacement. Visible ID tags are still the fastest way for someone to contact you if they find your pet.
Myth #5: “All shelters and vets use the same microchip technology”
Truth: Different manufacturers use different frequencies. Universal scanners can read multiple frequencies, but not all facilities have them yet.
Critical Maintenance Most Owners Forget
Here’s the thing that many pet parents don’t realize – getting the microchip implanted is just step one! For the microchip to actually work, you MUST:
- Register the microchip in the manufacturer’s database with your current contact information
- Keep your contact info updated whenever you move or change phone numbers
- Have your vet scan the microchip annually to ensure it’s still functioning
The most common reason microchipped pets aren’t returned to their owners is outdated or incorrect contact information in the registry. August 15th is designated as “Check the Chip Day” – a perfect annual reminder to verify your info is current.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will my dog act differently after being microchipped?
Most dogs show no behavioral changes after microchipping. The microchip is tiny and, once healed, they won’t even know it’s there.
Q: At what age can puppies be microchipped?
Puppies can be microchipped as young as 6-8 weeks old. Many vets do it at the same time as early vaccinations or spay/neuter procedures.
Q: Can I have my dog’s microchip removed?
While technically possible, removal is not recommended. It’s a more invasive procedure than implantation and would require surgery under anesthesia.
Q: What happens if I adopt a dog that’s already microchipped?
Have your vet scan the chip to get the number, then contact the manufacturer to update the registration information with your details.
Q: Can my dog have more than one microchip?
Yes, and they won’t interfere with each other. If your dog already has a microchip but you’re moving to a country that requires ISO-standard chips, you can have another one implanted.
Making Your Decision: Is Microchipping Right for Your Dog?
When weighing the pros and cons, consider these factors:
- Your dog’s lifestyle and risk of getting lost
- Your location (urban vs. rural)
- Local laws (some areas require microchipping)
- Your dog’s health and any unique medical concerns
Most veterinary organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), strongly recommend microchipping as a safe, effective way to increase the chances of reuniting with lost pets.
The Bottom Line
While no identification method is 100% foolproof, microchipping significantly increases the chances of getting your dog back if they become lost or stolen. The potential risks are minimal compared to the benefits of this simple, one-time procedure.
The most important things to remember are:
- Choose a reputable vet for implantation
- Register the microchip and keep your info updated
- Continue using collar ID tags as well
- Have your vet check the microchip annually
Have you had your dog microchipped? What influenced your decision? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
Microchips contain a registration number
Microchips don’t store any information and can’t help you track your pet like a GPS might. Microchips don’t even have batteries! When a microchip scanner is passed over the pet, the microchip emits a frequency — the exact frequency depends on the brand. The scanner “reads” the number on the microchip. The shelter employee can then look up the microchip’s number in a database to get the owner’s contact information.
Microchips help animal shelters return lost pets
Microchips are supposed to help lost pets reunite with their owners, but do they actually work? Yes!
In a 2009 study of 53 animal shelters, researchers at the Ohio State University found that dogs with microchips are 2.4 times more likely to be returned to their owners, and microchipped cats are a massive 21.4 times more likely. That’s a huge difference!