A Well-Researched List of Pet Microchip FAQ

What Is a Microchip?

A microchip is a small transponder that uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) to identify your pets. The chip contains all of the pets' information, from a unique serial number to the next vet appointment. When a microchip scanner comes within range, the chip will retrieve this data from its internal memory and transfer it to the scanner.

The microchip is about the size of a rice grain. It is also known as an identifying integrated circuit.

What Drives the Microchip?

The microchip itself is passive and does not have a battery. It only becomes operational after detecting radio waves from a scanner.

How Is A Microchip Implanted In My Pet? Is it painful? Will anesthesia be required?

Microchip implantation is a simple procedure that takes only a few seconds. The procedure is similar to that of any other routine shot. As a result, you will not require any anesthesia or surgery to complete the procedure.

When you buy the microchip, it will come with a sterile applicator. All that will be required is an injection under the pet's skin between the shoulder blades.

Why Should I Microchip My Pets?

Microchipping your pets is a must. It is simple and inexpensive, making it one of the most accessible identification techniques.

When you implant a microchip in your pet, you reduce the chances of them becoming permanently lost. If the animal has the chip, a scanner will capture all of the necessary identification information.

Eventually, the pet recovery service will contact you to assist you in reuniting with your pet. Furthermore, having a microchip can help you store critical information that would otherwise be difficult to track.

To get the most out of the microchip, you should ensure that the information is updated on a regular basis. Any outdated information will result in tracing errors and eventual frustration.

How Much Does It Cost To Implant A Microchip In My Pet?

The veterinary doctor will charge you an average of . This is a one-time fee (including the registration in the pet recovery database).

Where Can I Get Pet Microchipping?

Your veterinary officer will assist you with the microchip implantation. Most of them have ready-to-use chips that you can purchase and register.

Even better, the entire implantation procedure is quick. You'll finish the job in a matter of minutes!

Can I Implant A Microchip Myself?

Implantation may appear to be a simple procedure, but it is actually quite complex. The functionality of the microchip will be determined by how well you complete the process.

If you keep the tag too deep or facing the wrong way, the scanner will not detect it in the future.

Furthermore, using too much force when injecting the pet may result in both physical and physiological harm. As a result, you should always seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian.

How Big Is The Microchip Needle?

The needle used to implant a microchip into your pet is quite small. The diameter varies from one manufacturer to the next. It is available in 12 gauge to 15 gauge.

What Kind of Data Is Stored On The Microchip? Will it keep my pet's veterinary records?

Most microchips available today can only store a unique identification number specific to your pet.

Some, on the other hand, may allow you to store records of your pet's medical data for easy access. This data will be from previous vet visits; the chip cannot capture your pet's current health data.

Is There A Tracking Component On A Microchip?

Microchips in pets are not tracking devices. They lack a GPS component that would allow you to track your pet's location.

Furthermore, these microchips have a limited range. They must be close to the scanner for the data about the pet to be released.

How Long Does a Microchip Last?

The microchip will serve your pet until the day it dies. The device lacks a battery and any other moving parts. As a result, the likelihood of wearing out is significantly reduced.

Will My Pet's Privacy Be Infringed Upon By Microchipping?

The only information on the tag is the identification number. As a result, you can rest assured that your pet's sensitive data is secure.

Furthermore, all of the information contained in the chip is strictly that which you provided during the registration process. Even then, not everyone has access to the data.

How Will A Microchip Assist Me If My Pet Is Lost?

There is no tracking device on the microchip. It does, however, have a unique identification number for your pet. If the pet is discovered, it will most likely be taken to a veterinarian and scanned.

When the veterinarian receives the unique identification number, they will contact the pet recovery service, and you will be contacted to pick up the pet from their station.

As a result, you should always provide accurate information to ensure a guaranteed reunion. This is particularly important for physical addresses and phone numbers.

What Exactly Is Microchip Frequency?

The strength of radio waves emitted by the reader is referred to as microchip frequency. Remember that the chip is inactive and that these frequencies are required for it to become active and release the pet's data. Radio wave frequencies for microchips are available at 134.2 kHz, 128 kHz, and 125 kHz.

What Is ISO Microchip Standardization?

ISO is a global regulatory organization that evaluates the suitability of all microchips. It ensures that the chips are of high quality and meet the required size and shape specifications, regardless of the manufacturer.

ISO has approved the use of low-frequency implantation for animal implantation. As a result, you should look for a microchip that operates at 134.2 kHz.

Is It Possible To Scan A Pet Microchip With Your Phone?

No, a mobile phone cannot read your pet's microchip on its own. However, you can purchase a Bluetooth or cable device that will allow your smartphone to read the data from your pet's microchip.

How Does Dog Microchipping Work?

Microchips transfer data using low-frequency radio waves (approximately 134.2 kHz). This frequency has been ISO/IEC certified for use with animals.

The microchip contains a transponder/integrated circuit that contains all of your dog's information. When a transponder detects radio waves produced by a scanner, it activates and transmits its data.

The scanner/reader then selects this data for interpretation. In most cases, the reader will display the ID and address of the dog. After obtaining the ID, the recovery officer will contact you in order to reunite you with the lost dog.

Is Microchipping Limited to Dogs?

No, both dogs and cats benefit from microchipping. The two are the most popular pets in the United States, and the number of deaths each year is staggering.

As a result, homeowners must implant the chip in order to protect their beloved pets.

Will Rabies Tags Be Replaced by Your Pet's Microchip?

Microchips are not intended for short-term use. They store a unique identification code that will be valid for the duration of the pet's life. Because it is implanted beneath the skin, the microchip is impenetrable.

The microchip, however, does not replace the pet's collar. These collars provide up-to-date information about the pet's health, including rabies status.

You should think about getting a collar and a microchip for your pet. Strangers can read the information on the collar quickly, making it easier to reunite with your lost pet. If the collar becomes separated from the dog, the microchip will come in handy.

Are Animal Shelter Pets Microchipped? What Should I Do?

Adopting a pet from a shelter carries significant risks. The pet may attempt to return to the shelter and become lost in the process. Most shelters microchip their animals to avoid any problems for the new owner.

But don't make assumptions!

Instead, we recommend using a scanner to see if it can detect the microchip. If you do not have a scanner, take your pet to the nearest veterinary officer for scanning.

Microchips: Can They Fail?

Microchips can fail in rare cases. The failure will manifest as follows:

The scanner's inability to detect it

After reading, incorrect data is returned.

A variety of issues, including improper microchip installation and the use of an insufficient scanner, can lead to the failure. Furthermore, the microchip could be obstructed by fat layers, reducing its efficacy.

To avoid microchip failures, always involve an expert in the implantation stage. They will easily locate the best location for implantation because they have expertise in the areas.

My pet has two different frequency microchips. What can I do to help?

Relax and let it be if your pet has two microchips. There is no need to remove any of the microchips because their functionality does not interfere with one another.

Scanners will read either of the two chips. If you use the universal scanner, it will most likely detect both chips. Selective scanners, on the other hand, will only read the microchip with the specified frequency, leaving the other one behind.

My pet has a non-ISO-certified 125 KHz microchip. Can I Upgrade to an ISO-Certified 134 KHz Chip?

Yes, you can implant multiple microchips in your pets. To get accurate results, you must use highly specific readers.

For example, you cannot use a scanner designed for 125 kHz to collect data from 134 kHz tags.

I'm moving to a country where ISO chips are required for pets. My pets all have non-ISO-certified badges. What Should I Do?

If you are relocating to another country, you will need to adapt to their culture. You must ensure that the microchips are changed to meet the new requirements.

It would also be beneficial to review their transportation rules and regulations. If you want to travel by plane, you should book an early flight to prepare your puppy.

You can also contact animal transporters. These people are well-versed in all of the laws governing pet transportation.

Why Are Microchips Used Differently in Animal Shelters and Veterinary Clinics?

There is no state or federal law in the United States that governs microchip standards. As a result, different manufacturers will create unique tags to meet the needs of their respective markets.

Veterinarians have a wide variety of chips to choose from due to their widespread availability.

These distinctions can render some scanners ineffective. Because these devices are quite expensive, we recommend purchasing a universal reader to save money.

Is There a centralized database for all microchips in the United States?

In the United States, no centralized database for registering all microchips in the region has ever been established. As a result, each manufacturer has their own data.

However, all microchips are registered with their respective registries. As a result, unless you haven't registered your pet's microchip, you can always be confident that the scanner will read it without difficulty.

The Universal Microchip Lookup Tool was also created by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). This tool keeps track of all the microchips in the country.

Can My Pet Experience Adverse Effects Following Microchip Implantation?

While it is possible for an animal to develop an allergic reaction, the likelihood of this occurring is low.

Since 1996, only about 0.01 percent of all microchip implanted animals in the United Kingdom have developed allergic reactions.

Some of the most common issues with microchips are as follows:

The microchip may move from its intended location to other parts of the body. When this happens, the body's integrity is jeopardized, which leads to disease.

Hair fall. In rare cases, the animal may suffer from severe hair loss.

Infection and swelling This is especially noticeable near the injection site. Your veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate medication for your pet.

In some cases, a tumor may form near the site of implantation. This occurrence is primarily due to allergic reactions.

If you notice any of these issues, you should seek professional medical help as soon as possible.

Are Microchips Carcinogenic?

While there have been allegations that microchips cause cancer in animals, no research has proven this beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Is it possible to remove my pet's microchip in order to save it from cancer?

As previously stated, some studies have found a direct link between the use of microchips and cancer. As a result, we advise you not to remove the microchip.

The advantages of employing the microchip will outweigh the disadvantages. As a result, you should leave the animal alone.

Do the advantages of microchipping outweigh the disadvantages?

Yes, the benefits of implanting a microchip in your pet outweigh the risks. It will now be extremely simple for you to reconnect with your pet following a loss.

While no microchip can guarantee 100 percent success, the vast majority of tags perform admirably. Even better, there are now low-cost readers for data management.

Will I be required to keep my pet's microchip up to date?

Once implanted, the microchip will experience only minor wear and tear. As a result, you will not be required to keep it. However, you should perform the following simple tasks to ensure that your microchip functions properly:

Activate your Microchip. When you buy a microchip for your pet, you should register it with all the appropriate organizations.

Regularly scan it. You should have your veterinarian check the tag's functionality at least once a year.

Please update your information. Addresses, phone numbers, and other vital information should be updated on a regular basis. This way, if your pet becomes separated from you, you can easily reunite with it.

You should keep these three helpful hints in mind. Every August 15, look for Chip Day. The AAHA instituted this practice to encourage pet owners to update the information on their tags.

The Benefits of Pet Microchips

Ease of Use The procedure for implanting a microchip into your pet is simple. You should, however, always invite a professional veterinarian. This reduces the possibility of a backfire, which could lead to health issues.

The microchip will only need to be purchased once. The pet will live with it for the rest of its life after implantation.

Traveling Comfort. With a pet microchip, you will be able to book a flight with ease.

While pet microchipping has numerous advantages, it also has a few disadvantages. Some microchips, for example, can only be used with scanners made by the same company. Furthermore, there is a risk that the microchip will travel throughout the body, making tracking it difficult.