Lost and Found: Pet Microchipping

It’s tragic: Every year, millions of cats and dogs are lost. All are beloved pets. In fact, research shows that only 10 to 30% of lost dogs and 5% of lost cats are ever reunited with their families. It doesn’t have to be this way. Taking the simple step of microchipping your pet can help improve these tragic odds.  Microchips combined with visible ID tags on your pet’s collar have proven to be the most reliable system for the recovery of lost or stray pets.

A microchip is a small transmitter which is placed just under the skin of your pet. A scanner is required to collect the information from the chip.  Only the ID number (no personal information) is associated with a chip. The chip number is similar to a vehicle identification number on a car.  It is registered in a central registry that has your personal information (phone number, address etc). Often at the time of implantation, the registration forms are given to you to fill out on your own.  If you do not send in the forms, the chip will remain unregistered.

The chip is small enough (size of a grain of rice) to fit in a needle made for the purpose of implanting.  This is basically like getting a shot for your pet, and can be done in the examination room while you watch.  It only takes a few seconds. The typical location is on their back, between the shoulder blades.  Most often the pet doesn’t notice, sometimes there is a yelp but the reaction is usually minimal.  Some people choose to wait until their pet is being neutered so they are under anesthetic.  Waiting runs the risk of the pet escaping unidentified.  It is a good idea to implant the chip as soon as possible.

It is important to know that a microchip is an identification device, not a locator.  There are ID collar gadgets available, and GPS collars.   For the techno junkies out there, now you can create a QR code for your pet.  This allows your pet’s id tag to be scanned and reported using an iPhone or Android phone.  An email is sent to you and the location of the scanner is recorded! Remember you should always have your pet microchipped in addition to a collar as ID Collars can be removed or come off.

If you are travelling to another country, the implantation of an ISO chip if frequently required.  Microchips emit their signals in a specific frequency.   There are different types of chips with different frequencies. Currently, there is a movement to eventually have a world standardization of microchip types.

Flood season in New Brunswick is a reminder that natural disasters are an unfortunate reality.  This can lead to pets being separated from their homes.  Being able to prove a pet is yours is invaluable in this situation. Having a microchip can reunite you with a lost pet, serve as proof of ownership in a dispute, or even mean the difference between euthanasia and medical care in an emergency. It only takes a few minutes.