According to the American Humane Society, more than 10 million pets are lost per year in the United States. It is a pet parent’s worst nightmare! Millions of these pets find their way to animal shelters or new families as strays. Studies published by the AVMA revealed that only 15% of dogs and 2% of cats are reunited with their families without a microchip or way to be identified. However, with microchips, that percentage rose to nearly 52% of dogs and 40% of cats.
Let’s ease some fears and debunk some common microchip myths.
Myth #1: Microchips are GPS trackers.
False: A microchip is not a GPS tracker.
Microchips are the size of a grain of rice and contain a unique code of numbers only. Due to its size, a microchip cannot contain all the necessary parts needed to operate as a tracker. It is entirely passive and is only “activated” when scanned by an animal professional. Like the grocery store scanner reads barcodes, a microchip scanner reads the microchip to retrieve the unique code of numbers associated with the animal.
Myth #2: Scanning a microchip reveals an owner’s personal information.
False: Scanning a microchip reveals only the unique code associated with the chip.
When an animal professional uses a microchip scanner to search for a chip, the only information that shows on the scanner is the unique code of numbers assigned to that chip. There are several microchip companies, and they all use a unique sequence of numbers to differentiate themselves. However, a universal microchip scanner can identify the unique set of numbers associated with an animal, no matter the brand of the chip itself.
When scanning for a chip, an animal professional simply waves the scanner over the back of the animal. When the chip is read, the number will show on the scanner. The unique number that shows can then be entered into a “Microchip Registry” search engine. This will show the professional which company manufactured that particular microchip. As long as the microchip has been fully registered, the company can use the information logged within its database to contact the owner.
Myth #3: Microchips are automatically registered once implanted.
False: Just having a microchip is not enough.
Without registration, a microchip is just a strand of numbers, and all its benefits are lost. Once a microchip has been implanted, pet owners must register it with their contact information. Many
pet parents neglect this crucial step. One study found that only 58% of microchipped animals had properly registered chips in a microchip database.
DID YOU KNOW? All microchips given at HSCC are automatically registered to their owner’s information on file. Our wellness clinics offer the service for $25 (discounted to $15 for the month of June 2024). All adopted animals are already microchipped and will be updated with the adopter’s information. Schedule an appointment for a microchip today!
Are you unsure if your contact information is correct? Bring your furry friend by to make sure! We will do a complimentary microchip scan and direct you on what to do next.
Myth #4: Microchip implantation is painful.
False: Microchips are no more painful than a simple vaccination.
Microchips are the size of a grain of rice and are inserted with a small needle in a quick and virtually painless procedure. It is no more painful than getting a vaccination and only needs to be done once in a pet’s lifetime, unlike vaccinations.
Microchips are inserted just under the skin between the shoulder blades. This procedure does not require anesthesia, and there are no adverse reactions to watch out for afterward. There is a small chance that the chip could slightly migrate from the place of insertion, but this is rare.
Myth #5: Microchips expire.
False: Microchips do not expire, but contact information can.
Every microchip package has an expiration date, but it only tells the shelter or clinic how long the packaging will remain sterile. Once implanted, the pet microchip itself never expires. It will stay in the animal’s body and can be read by any universal scanner.
Life is ever-changing, so it is common that contact information may change. Ensuring your animal’s microchip stays current with your changes is important. Move homes? Make sure the chip is registered to your new address. New phone? Make sure the phone number on file is correct. New owner? You can change all of the information to match them instead!
Again, if you are unsure if your pet’s microchip is registered correctly, we are happy to help! Pay us a visit, and we will gladly point you in the right direction.
Myth #6: Indoor animals don’t need a microchip.
False: All pets can benefit from a microchip.
Indoor animals may need to use the bathroom, visit the vet, or travel with family. Unfortunately, accidents happen. Natural disasters, fireworks spooking, and other unforeseen dangers can leave an animal missing from home.
While a microchip is not recommended as an animal’s primary form of identification, it does nothing but benefit them as a secondary. If an animal is found, brought to a veterinary clinic, and has a registered microchip- there is almost a 100% guarantee of reuniting with their family.
Myth #7: Microchips are expensive.
False: Microchips are a one-time small fee to ensure your pet’s safety.
Here at HSCC, we offer microchipping for $25. That’s the same as a bucket of chicken from KFC, a new shirt, or a few day’s worth of Starbucks. We use microchips from 24PetWatch, which are free to register but have extra optional services that cost additional.
Some companies charge a one-time registration fee, and others charge an annual fee. However, there are completely free options for registering your pet’s microchip, no matter the brand, such as the American Animal Hospital Association’s “Free Chip Registry.” (https://www.freepetchipregistry.com/our-mission)
DID YOU KNOW? All microchips given at HSCC are automatically registered to their owner’s information on file. Our wellness clinics offer the service for $25 (discounted to $15 for the month of June 2024). All adopted animals are already microchipped and will be updated with the adopter’s information. Schedule an appointment for a microchip today!
Are you unsure if your contact information is correct? Bring your furry friend by to make sure! We will do a complimentary microchip scan and direct you on what to do next.
