However, some older cats and dogs microchip identification number may contain letters as well as numbers. An implanted microchip does not cause any ongoing pain or discomfort to your cat or dog. The microchip does not require a battery or any maintenance and is designed to last the life of your pet.
No. Once inserted, microchips never expire. Every chip comes in packaging with an expiration date, but that only tells the shelter or clinic how long the package will remain sterile. If the chip is planted before that date, it will stay safe and sterile.
You cannot GPS track your pet with a microchip. Pet microchips are used to identify your pets when scanned at a pet shelter or vet so they can be reunited with their owners. You will need to purchase an additional GPS tracking product to track your pets.
How long do microchips last? Microchips are designed to work for 25 years.
When your pet passes away and you choose cremation for processing their remains, the microchip will remain in their bodies throughout the process and be incinerated during the cremation.
Pet thieves will typically remove signs of identification, including microchips and GPS collars, and replace them with others.
Microchipping is a painless procedure
Many owners naturally worry that placing a microchip inside their dog's body will hurt. In fact, the procedure takes seconds and no anesthetic is required. The chip is injected between the shoulder blades, and your dog won't feel a thing.
Unfortunately, no. A smart phone can not and will not ever be able to read a pet's microchip.
If your pet ends up with two microchips, you will need to register and update both registrations for the same reason.
Dogtap - readable by any smartphone
So, we can make sure that the dogtap can be read by any smartphone - whether iPhone or Android smartphone. This means that a potential finder does not have to go to the vet to have a dog's chip read out with a special reader, but can simply use his own smartphone.
Call Local Shelters and Animal Hospitals
Shelters and vets have access to microchip scanners and frequently use the microchips to identify lost animals and get them home. They will be able to scan a lost microchipped dog and they can keep an eye out for dogs matching your pet's description.
There may be an administration fee charged by the microchip company for updating your address or owner details. Some companies charge each time you move house or amend the details, others offer an upgrade to a paid plan that allows unlimited changes over the life of your pet.
At many veterinary and shelter facilities, it is standard practice to scan every new animal to see if the pet has a microchip. This helps ensure a lost pet is returned to his or her owner.
We check microchips to be sure the animal is protected in case of loss, not to assess ownership status. Only in cases where we suspect a problem would we call the microchip registry to check on the ownership.
Patricia McConnell, PHD, Certified Animal Behaviorist and author of several books related to dog behavior, believes that dogs remember their previous owners, however they don't remember in the same capacity as people do.
If you are the new keeper of a pet, you can transfer the microchip into your details. You will need the pet's microchip number and exact date of birth to transfer the registration online. If you don't know the date of birth, you can ask the previous keeper to start the transfer from within their account.
Pet microchips do not have GPS technology. Instead, they use Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology that is able to be scanned for information, like the pet owner's contact information. This means that microchips can't give your pet's location if they get lost, but can lead to their safe return when found.
Using a specially designed implanting device, the microchip is injected through a sterile needle under the dog's skin between the shoulder blades.
Any universal scanner and many scanners that are not universal can read Microchip ID Systems products.
(A) Vet Roberta Baxter says: It is not normal to get a swelling at the site of a microchip implantation, but it does occasionally happen. It may be associated with inflammation alone, meaning it will go down over a one to two week period with no adverse effects and without treatment.
Microchipping your dog typically costs around $50, according to Dr. Bethany Hsia, D.V.M. and co-founder of CodaPet, a network of veterinarians who provide in-home end-of-life care for pets.
There is a potential risk of cancer at the implant site, plus other minor adverse reactions. However, the chances of your dog developing any issues remain extremely low and the procedure is relatively safe. If you have any other concerns about microchipping, your local vet will be able to offer you guidance.
A microchip is the only permanent identification form that can reunite you with your beloved pet. Unlike collars and ID tags, which can break, or become worn and illegible, a microchip will last for the life of your pet. In addition, a microchip does not share personal information with anyone who finds your furry pal.