The Importance Of Microchipping

What Are Microchips?

A microchip is a tiny, permanent form of identification implanted just under your pet's skin—usually between the shoulder blades. The procedure is quick, relatively painless, and does not require anesthesia.

• Each microchip has a unique ID number that stays with your pet for life.
• Microchips do not track your pet's location; they require a special scanner to read the number.
• Unlike collars and tags that can fall off or be removed, a microchip is **permanent and tamper-proof**.

Why Microchipping Is Important

• Increases chances of reuniting lost pets: A microchip is **your pet's lifeline** if they ever become lost.
• Protects against theft: If someone claims your pet as their own, a microchip provides **legal proof of ownership**.
• Required for travel: Many airlines and international travel regulations require pets to be microchipped before flying.
• Supports animal shelters and rescues: Microchips **reduce overcrowding** in shelters by helping lost pets find their way home faster.

Microchip Tips for Pet Owners

• Collars and chips work together. A collar with ID tags is the fastest way home, but a microchip is a backup in case the collar is lost.
• Register your pet's microchip. Without registration, a microchip is useless! You can register any microchip for free at freepetchipregistry.com.
• Keep your contact details updated. If you move or change phone numbers, update your info in the registry. If your pet is lost, notify the database immediately.
• Scan regularly. Ask your vet to **scan your pet's microchip** during checkups to ensure it's still working and positioned correctly.

Common Misconceptions About Microchips

• "Microchips work like GPS trackers." – False. Microchips only provide identification, not real-time tracking.
• "All microchips can be scanned by any scanner." – Not always. Some scanners are not universal, so if one doesn't detect a chip, a different scanner should be tried.
• "Microchips cause health issues." – Extremely rare. Microchips are biocompatible and safe for long-term implantation.
• "Once microchipped, my pet is automatically registered." – No. Owners must register the chip with their contact info.

How to Help a Lost Pet

• Most shelters and veterinarians will scan a lost pet's microchip for free. Some police and fire departments also have scanners.
• If a pet has a chip but no tag, enter the chip number into the AAHA microchip lookup tool. The registry will contact the pet's owner.
• Some communities have public microchip scanning stations at police departments, fire stations, or animal shelters.
• If the chip isn't registered, contact local shelters and vet clinics—they may have records linked to that chip number.

What Happens When a Lost Microchipped Pet Is Found?

When a microchipped pet is found and scanned, here's what happens:

1. The chip's unique ID number appears on the scanner.
2. The person scanning it checks the ID number in a microchip registry database.
3. If the chip is registered, the owner is contacted immediately.
4. If the chip isn't registered, shelters or vet clinics may try to track down the owner through manufacturer records.

"Microchipped pets are three times more likely to be reunited with their owners."

Human Animal Support Services, 2022 Study