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Microchips For Pets
Microchipping: What is it and how can it ensure that your pet is always
yours?
Each year, more than 10 million pets are lost. It can easily happen, no matter
how much we all try to prevent it. When your pet is lost and if they do not have
a collar or their collar gets lost, it can be very difficult for them to find
their way home. According to the American Humane Association, only about 17% of
lost dogs and 2% of lost cats ever find their owners. Nearly 20 million pets are
euthanized each year because their owners cannot be located. If your pet is
microchipped, there is a much greater chance that they will return to you
safely. Microchips will last for your pet's lifetime as there are no moving
parts and nothing to replace.
A microchip is a small computer chip that has an identification number
programmed into it. It is small enough to fit into a hypodermic needle. Once
implanted, the I.D. number cannot be altered or removed. Once the chip is
implanted, a layer of connective tissue forms around the chip preventing it from
moving about.
Some people are hesitant to microchip their pet because they are afraid it will
hurt. The procedure is simple, routine, and painless, and it doesn't require any
anesthesia. Your pet simply gets an injection just under the loose skin between
the shoulder blades; it's a lot like getting vaccinated. Most animals don't
react at all. Long term studies have shown that the microchip is very safe for
your pets.
The chip contains an identification code that is unique to your pet. Most
veterinarians and animal shelters have scanners that can read that
identification code. Most use universal scanners that will read all brands of
microchips.
There are two major manufacturers of microchips. One of the most popular is the
AVID (American Veterinary Identification Devices) microchip. When you get an
AVID microchip implanted in your dog, you will register with PETrac. Your
veterinarian will have the application information to send in to PETrac. If you
do not receive this information, or if your information such as address, phone
number, or veterinarian changes, you may call PETrac directly at (800) 336-2843
to make the appropriate changes. Your dog will also receive a tag for his collar
with his AVID microchip number prominently displayed. When your lost pet is
found, they will be scanned and the information will be called in to PETrac.
Their database will bring up your information and you will be notified
immediately.
Another popular brand of microchip is the Schering-Plough HomeAgain microchip.
Once your pet is microchipped with the Schering-Plough HomeAgain microchip, you
will register with the American Kennel Club (AKC) Companion Animal Recovery
(CAR) program. This program maintains a national database and is available 24
hours a day, 365 days a year. Just as with AVID's PETrac system, when your lost
pet is found, they will be scanned, the number will be called into the AKC-CAR
(1-800-252-7894) and you will be notified immediately. A microchip provides
permanent identification unlike tags alone. When you register, you provide
information to the AKC-CAR - your contact information, your veterinarian‘s
information and an alternate contact. The program personnel will call the other
numbers if you cannot be reached. Remember to contact the AKC-CAR if you any of
the above information changes.
The system works! More than 1 ½ million pets are enrolled in the AKC Companion
Animal Recovery program and 97% have HomeAgain microchips. 126,034 lost pets
have been reunited with their owners thanks to this program which has a 100%
success rate. Every found pet in its system has been identified.
The American Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals (ASPCA) also
supports the use of microchip IDs for animal identification. They feel that it
is the most reliable system for the recovery of lost pets.
Ideally, leashes, fences, and doors would be enough to keep your pet safe at
home, but in the real world, accidents happen, and your pet depends on you to
protect him or her against the things that could go wrong. With a little effort
now, you can take a big step toward ensuring that your pet will be with you in
the future.
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