Losing your pet, even if she eventually returns, is a devastating experience and, unfortunately, all too common. Every year, around 8 million animals arrive at shelters (the equivalent of one in three pets) yet only 15 percent of dogs are ever reunited with their owners. In these instances, you may consider microchipping your dog.
Even if you take the utmost care into keeping your dog safe, there is always a possibility she may get lost — someone could leave the front door open; she could become distracted by a scent or animal during an off-leash walk; something could frighten her and cause her bolt.
Microchipping your dog gives you the best chance of recovering your dog in the event that she is lost or stolen. Unlike a collar and tag, it cannot fall off or be removed by thieves. But what exactly is a microchip, how does it work, and what are the pros and cons?
What is a microchip and how does it work?
A microchip is a small transponder implanted between the shoulder blades of a dog, in the scruff of the neck, with a needle. The procedure takes about the same amount of time as an injection and is safe and relatively painless — no anaesthetic is required and the microchip comes preloaded in a sterile applicator so there is no chance of infection.
Each microchip features a unique number that can be read by scanner. If an animal clinic or shelter finds a dog with a microchip, they must call the pet recovery service to receive the owner contact details and pet information stored in the national database. Simply scanning the chip only provides a user only with the number, so owners can rest assured that their contact details will not be disclosed to just anyone with a scanner.
It is crucial to remember to register your number after implanting the microchip. Although this may sound obvious, many owners neglect this important part of the procedure, resulting in lost microchipped dogs that cannot be returned to their families when they are found.
Are there any disadvantages or dangers?
Microchipping your dog is a must, but remember that it doesn’t allow you to track your dog. (You’ll need a GPS collar for that.) If your dog is recovered after being lost or stolen, he must be taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic where the staff can scan the chip. At that point the staff member must contact the microchip company with the ID number and the company will contact you (the owner).
Another disadvantage is that not all scanners and microchips are created equally. Although most shelters now favor universal scanners, some still have less effective models that may fail to notice the chip. A second risk is that the chip may move from its original position, making it appear as if the dog lacks a microchip. You can reduce your chances of either happening by talking to your veterinarian and local shelters to find out what brand of chip they recommend. It’s also a good idea to ask your vet to frequently scan the microchip to ensure it is reading properly.
Finally, although rare, some dogs do experience complications after the implant of a microchip. The best way to ensure you are keeping your dog safe from potential problems is to ask a veterinarian to perform the implant, as a qualified professional will know how to inject the microchip properly and in the right place.
It is important to note that a microchip is not substitute for a collar and ID tag; even dogs with microchips should always wear tags with the name and phone of number of their owner, as this provides a quicker access to contact information if the pet is lost. Microchipping your dog is important regardless of any disadvantages mentioned here. Just think of it as your backup system for identifying your dog if he is lost or stolen.
