Dog Microchips
At Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital, we believe microchipping is one of the most effective ways to ensure your beloved dog can always find their way back home. Below, we answer common questions about microchipping so you can make an informed decision for your pet.
What Is a Dog Microchip and What Does It Do?
A microchip is a tiny RFID (radio-frequency identification) device, about the size of a grain of rice, implanted under your dog’s skin. It contains a unique identification number linked to your contact information in a pet recovery database. If your dog is lost and scanned at any veterinary clinic or animal shelter, the microchip can help reunite you.
Can Microchips Be Used to Track My Dog?
No. Microchips do not have GPS capabilities and cannot actively track your pet’s location. They are passive identification tools that work only when scanned.
How Do I Get My Dog Microchipped?
Microchipping is a simple procedure that can be done at our veterinary clinic. We use a sterile needle to implant the microchip just under the skin between your dog’s shoulder blades. It’s a quick process that takes only a few seconds.
Is There a Certain Type of Microchip I Need to Get for My Dog?
Most veterinarians and shelters use ISO-compliant microchips (International Organization for Standardization), which are universal and can be read by most scanners. We recommend using an ISO-compliant microchip to ensure the best chance of identification.
How Much Does It Cost to Microchip Your Dog?
The cost of microchipping varies but typically ranges between $25 and $75. This one-time fee often includes registration with a pet recovery database.
Does Microchipping Hurt Dogs?
The procedure is similar to a routine vaccination. While your dog may feel a small pinch, the discomfort is minimal and temporary.
Does Microchipping a Dog Require Surgery or Anesthesia?
No. Microchipping is a quick, non-surgical procedure that does not require anesthesia.
Is It Possible for My Dog to Have a Negative Reaction to a Microchip?
Adverse reactions are very rare. In some cases, mild swelling or temporary discomfort at the injection site may occur, but serious side effects are extremely uncommon.
Are There Major Risks Associated With Microchipping?
Microchips are designed to be safe and biocompatible, meaning they do not harm your pet’s body. The biggest risk is that a chip may migrate slightly from the original implantation site, but this does not affect its functionality.
What Does the Dog Microchip Registration Process Look Like?
After your dog is microchipped, you must register the chip with your contact information in a pet recovery database. Without registration, the microchip is useless. It’s also important to update your contact information if you move or change phone numbers.
How Can I Find a Lost Dog Using a Microchip?
If your lost dog is found and taken to a veterinary clinic or shelter, they will scan the microchip. The chip’s unique ID number will be matched to your contact information in the registry, allowing you to be contacted. Unfortunately, you cannot track your dog yourself using the microchip.
Who Can Scan My Dog’s Microchip Information?
Veterinarians, animal shelters, and some pet rescue organizations have universal scanners that can read microchips. They can use this to identify and contact the registered owner.
Will a Microchip Really Make It More Likely for Me to Get My Pet Back if It Is Lost?
Yes! Studies show that microchipped pets are twice as likely to be reunited with their owners compared to those without microchips. The key is keeping your contact information up to date in the registry.
How Can I Find Out if My New Dog Needs to Be Microchipped?
If you adopted a dog and are unsure whether they are microchipped, bring them to us! We can scan for a chip and check if it’s registered. If they aren’t chipped, we recommend getting one for their safety.
What Do I Do if My Dog Has a Microchip From a Previous Owner?
If you adopted a dog with a microchip already implanted, you can contact the microchip registry to update the ownership details. Some registries may require proof of ownership.
Are There Other Smart Products That Can Connect to My Dog’s Microchip?
Some pet doors, feeders, and ID tags can be programmed to recognize your dog’s microchip. These can provide additional security and convenience for pet owners.
Are There Any Privacy Concerns With Microchipping My Dog? Will Someone Else Be Able to Track Us?
Microchips store only an identification number linked to your contact details in a secure database. They do not contain GPS tracking, medical records, or any personal data beyond what you provide during registration.
Ready to schedule your dogs microchip appointment?
Please give us a call at the office at (503) 968-2911, or you can email us at [email protected]