What does it mean to have my dog microchipped?
Having your dog microchipped means that a small RFID tag, about the size of a grain of rice, is injected under the skin of your pet. This tag has a unique number that is tied directly to your pet and your personal information, which is registered in a database. If your pet is lost, the microchip can be scanned, and your pet can be returned to you.
Dr. Chris Jones
Haywood Animal Hospital
Can microchips be used to track my dog?
Microchips are commonly mistaken for having GPS capabilities, but most microchips currently in use do not have GPS capabilities. There may be some in development, but the ones commonly used do not have this feature.
How is a microchip used to identify my dog?
Each microchip has a unique set of numbers that are tied specifically to that chip. When your pet is microchipped, you register the chip with your name, address, and phone number, along with any other required information. This is how your pet is tied directly to you.
Who can scan my dog's microchip information?
Your dog's microchip can be scanned using a scanner similar to the one demonstrated in the video. Animal hospitals, shelters, and rescue organizations typically have these scanners and can easily access the information on the chip.
What does the microchipping recovery process look like in the event that my dog is lost?
If your pet is lost and picked up by a good Samaritan or animal control, they will be brought to an animal hospital, shelter, or rescue. The microchip will be scanned, and the unique number on the chip will be used to look up the company the microchip is attached to. That company will then be contacted to see if the chip is registered to someone at that time, and the owner will be contacted if their information is up to date in the database.
Why do veterinarians recommend getting my dog microchipped?
Veterinarians recommend microchipping pets to help ensure their return if they are lost, whether they get out of the yard, off their leash, or even if they are stolen. Microchipping has helped reunite pets with their owners, even across state lines in some cases.
What if I forget or lose my dog's microchip information?
If you forget or lose your pet's microchip information, the same process used to recover a lost pet can be used. The microchip can be scanned, the number can be looked up in the database, and you can contact the associated company to retrieve the information on file.
Are there other smart products that can connect to my dog's microchip?
There are some newer developments in microchip technology that allow it to connect with certain products. For example, some dog doors and feeding receptacles can be linked to your pet's microchip. A feeder with a lid may only activate and open when it recognizes your pet's microchip, ensuring that only your pet can access the food.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (828) 697-0446, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Microchipping - FAQs
Dr. Chris Jones
Haywood Animal Hospital
How can microchipping help my dog be returned to me?
If your pet is lost in any capacity, such as being let out of your yard, getting off their leash, or even stolen, your pet can be scanned by an animal hospital or a shelter. The microchip number can be recovered and tied to your information online in the database. You will be contacted and your pet will be returned to you at that point.
Will a microchip tell me my dog's location?
No, most microchips are not GPS trackers, and they are not capable of providing your dog's location.
Do all shelters scan for microchips?
As far as we are aware, all shelters and animal hospitals have the capability of scanning for microchips when a pet is found.
Does a microchip ensure that my dog will be found?
Microchipping your pet increases the chance of them being returned to you if they are lost and found. If your pet is picked up by someone and brought to a shelter or an animal hospital, they will be scanned, and the microchip information will be obtained. The next step is ensuring that the microchip number is registered to you. If your pet has been microchipped but not registered, the chances of them being returned to you are lower. However, if the microchip is registered to you and your pet is found and scanned, they will be returned to you.
My dog already has a collar and tag, why do they need a microchip?
Collars and tags are useful, but they can be easily removed or lost if the pet backs out of their collar. This can happen on a walk if they get startled by a car or another animal outside. Having both a microchip and a collar with tags is a good idea to ensure the safe return of your pet if they are lost.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (828) 697-0446, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram