Today, August 15th, is Check the Chip Day. Microchips, that is. I am a HUGE believer in microchips. Mauja and Atka are both chipped and while I’m thankful they have never been necessary, you can never be too safe.
Approximately 1 in 3 dogs will be lost at some point in their life. That is a scary number! Even worse, only 27% of dogs that enter shelters as strays are returned to their owners. That number increases to 52% if the dog is microchipped.
Why is the number still so low?
Only 58% of microchips have accurate owner information. Either the owner’s phone number or address has changed, which makes them unable to be reached.
So, what exactly is a microchip? A microchip is a tiny (about the size of a grain of rice) electronic device that is inserted under the skin with that needle. Some people prefer to get their pets chipped when they get spayed/neutered so they are under anesthesia, but you don’t have to wait. Atka didn’t even flinch when he got his chip.
The microchip emits radio-frequencies and can be detected by a special scanner. The scanner identifies the microchip number, which can be searched in a database with all of the pet owner information.
There are a few problems that seem to lower the effectiveness of a microchip. In a study of 2,632 pets, 11 microchips failed. Some failed due to improper scanning, matted fur, or excess body fat that made it difficult for the scanner to pick up on the chip. Another issue is that over the years, different scanners have been used to detect microchips. The scanners are only able to read chips at a certain frequency. Thankfully, newer universal scanners are being used that detect all frequencies of microchips.
How can you make sure the microchip helps your pet make it home?
- Check your chip. Take you dog to a local shelter or vet and have them scan the chip to ensure that it works. It’s also a great way to make sure the scanners in your area are universal and can detect your chip.
- Contact your microchip company. Way too many dogs are chipped without owner information. It’s a great idea to contact the microchip company to make sure all of your information is up to date.
I’ll be taking the pups to the vet later today to check their chips. Will you be checking your dog’s chip today?
Click here for more information regarding microchips.
Thank you thank you for this great post! Great information, every animal should be chipped so they get back home. I am such a dolt, I am a Veterinary Technician and we are checking chips today at work and do you think I could think to write a post about it, no why because I already had two other posts I had to write and post today. So it’s on my calendar for next year.
Great post! I do make sure to keep the contact info up to date, however I never really thought about having the vet scan them to make sure they still work! Duh…thanks!!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
Great reminder, we are headed to the vet in a couple weeks!
I hope all people would chip their furry friends. sadly a lot of people haven’t done it here, although it is an obligation :o( Thanks for a very important post!
Great reminder. Both Jack and Maggie are chipped, but I don’t think I’ve ever checked.
What a great idea. I never thought to check.
Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats
Great post! Wouldn’t it be great if all of the dogs everywhere were microchipped!
Great post!
It would be pawsome if all dogs were mircrochipped, so many dogs get lost!
Have a pawsome day!
xxMikko and Jax
Great reminder, especially about keeping the info up to date. I’ve seen so many dogs that have chips with old information and it’s so frustrating.
Excellent tips! Thanks for the reminders!!