Microchipping
Microchipping is a form of permanent identification that can allow a rescuer to identify your dog quickly, no matter where they are found. Collars and gates can break, dogs can be fast and sneaky, and even the most well-trained dog can fail to recall under stressful circumstances. We all hope our dog will never get lost, but it is best to plan for the worst and be sure we can get them home quickly.
How does microchipping work and is it safe for my dog?
Microchips have an advantage over tattoos, as they are meaningful internationally, whereas tattoos are registered within the province they were applied in only. A chip is approximately the size of a grain of rice and is implanted under your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. Once it is implanted, your pet doesn’t even know it’s there. It is more comfortable to implant than a tattoo is to apply. If your pet is ever lost, animal services, shelters, and veterinary clinics have microchips scanners that obtain the microchip number. The owner information that is registered to the chip appears within minutes.
Many people wonder if microchips have GPS capabilities for real-time tracking of our animals. Unfortunately, we do not have GPS technology small enough or affordable enough for this purpose. The microchip emits a radio-frequency identification number. This number is identified by a radio-frequency scanner, and a database is called to gather the owner information associated with that identification number. You will receive a call within minutes to let you know that your pet is safe. It is therefore crucial that you keep your information up to date in the database when you move or change your phone number.
How much does it cost to microchip a dog?
Microchipping is inexpensive, especially if you consider the fees you pay if your dog gets picked up by animal services with no identification. Microchipping can be done at any time during a pet’s life but is often done at the time of spaying or neutering procedures.