Microchipping

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What is Microchip?
A microchip is a very tiny computer chip that has an identification number.
It’s about the size of a grain of rice.

 

 

How Does Microchipping work?
The microchip is injected under the skin of your pet.  (like a vaccine or a shot). Then you MUST REGISTER that microchip number with YOUR contact information or the microchip won’t protect your pet and is useless. The whole point of a microchip is that your pets microchip number is attached to all your contact information so if your pet is ever lost or ends up at a kill shelter someone can contact you to let you know they found it. Microchips have reunited countless families every year.

 

How Do I Register My Pets Microchip Number in MY Contact Information?
Whoever microchips your pet (the breeder, vets office, rescue group etc…) should provide you with your pets microchip number as well as a microchip brochure. All you need to do is complete the microchip brochure with all YOUR contact information and mail it to the address that is listed on the microchip brochure.There are about 4 different microchip companies such as “Avid Microchips”, “Homeland Microchips,” etc…so all the companies information and instructions should be on the microchip brochure. Or you can always go directly to their website. Just so you know, there is a small fee that you also send in with the brochure to register the microchip in your information but it’s very cheap and it’s only a ONE time fee. Most places will also allow you to register and pay online if you prefer. Whoever microchips your pet should explain how to register it. REMEMBER, if you ever move OR your contact information changes PLEASE update your information with the company or they won’t be able to get ahold of you and the microchip won’t protect your pet and will become useless.

 

How Do Shelters Know if My Pet has a Microchip?
the shelters check every pet for any identification such as collars & tags. Shelters also scan every pet for a microchip. If your pet is microchipped then your pets microchip number will show up on their scanner. Then with that number the shelter can contact PETtrac and get all your contact information and reunite you with your pet.

 

What is PETtrac?
PETtrac is a global computerized tracking system that holds all the microchip numbers with their contact information. It’s an extremely successful system. So when you register your microchip number it will go into this system. Again, if you move or your contact information changes REMEMBER to update with your microchip company (avid, homeland etc..)

 

Does My Pet Have to Be Sedated for Microchip Injection?
No. microchips are very fast to inject. It’s like getting a quick shot or vaccine. Here is a video that shows a boston terrier puppy being microchipped. as you can see it’s quick with very little pain. Just like a fast pinch.

How often do you have to Microchip your Pet?
ONE time. Once the microchip is injected into the pet it stays there for the rest of your pets life. The microchip itself has no power supply. You do not need to worry about replacing it as it will never wear down.

 

How is a Microchip better than a Collar with Tags?
a microchip can NOT fall off, get lost, altered, or intentionally removed like a collar with tags can. The microchip is a permanent way to keep your contact information with your pet at all times.

 

What Age Should I Microchip My Pet?
Microchipping can be done at any age and it’s not just for dogs. People world-wide microchip cats, birds, horses, donkeys, etc….

Disclaimer:  This article was written & created by Spoiled Rotten Schnauzers. We are NOT Licensed Vets. DO NOT try to diagnose or treat animals based off this or any other information you find on the internet.  This page is just BASIC INFORMATION that we have learned over the years and thought it would be helpful to anyone interested. If your pet is having any kind of medical issue, please seek PROPER professional treatment from a licensed vet who is trained and set up to handle such matters.