Pet microchipping is one of the most important elements of pet reunification. While microchips have incredible potential for reuniting lost pets with their owners, the chip itself is only one component in a system involving microchips, registries and scanners.
A microchip is a small device about the size of a grain of rice that is quickly and easily implanted beneath your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. It contains a unique number used to identify your pet. This number links to your contact information in an online registry allowing veterinarians, rescue organizations and clinics to contact you should your lost pet be found. It is important to note that the microchip itself does not store your contact information – it only contains the microchip number.
A microchip is not a GPS or tracking device and will not reveal a lost pet’s location. It is only when a lost pet is found, scanned for the chip and searched in an online registry that someone will be able to contact you. This is why it is critical to keep your contact information current on the online registry. Failure to do so renders the microchip useless.
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Microchip scanners are in use at almost all shelters and veterinarian offices. It is essential that a ‘universal scanner’ be used in order to read the different chip frequencies distributed by different manufacturers/microchip brands. Failure to use a ‘universal scanner’ may miss microchips, making it harder for lost pets to reunite with their families.
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Listed below are the most common microchip brands and contact information:
24PetWatch 1-866-597-2424 www.24petwatch.com
AVID 1-800-336-2843 www.avidid.com
HomeAgain 1-800-466-3242 www.homeagain.com
AKC 1-800-252-7894 www.akccar.com
Banfield 1-877-567-8738 www.banfield.net
Bayer resQ 1-877-738-5465 www.petlink.net
If your pet is microchipped and you are unsure of the manufacturer, you can visit the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) website, type in the microchip number and find out at http://www.petmicrochiplookup.org/ Your pet’s microchip number will be included in your veterinary paperwork or shelter adoption packet.
It is a good idea to review your pets’ microchip information annually to ensure that if a pet is ever lost, it will be returned safely home.