Should I microchip my pet?

What is micro chipping?  Micro chipping is a technological invention that has revolutionized the pet industry. A microchip is a relatively small device that is placed or implanted within a pet’s skin; this usually takes place in the shoulder blade area. A microchip possesses a unique identification number which, once implanted beneath your pet’s skin, serves as a way of identifying him should he ever get lost or stolen. Your pet’s identification number is displayed using a special Microchip Reader which provides all the information needed to get him back home safely. A microchip can last up to 25 years once inserted in a pet.

Should I microchip? Pet owners should consider micro chipping their pets. There are good benefits to a microchip. If your pet is lost or stolen, then found by animal control or the humane society, the pet can be identified and given back to the rightful owner.

Are there drawbacks from Micro chipping, yes.  Before 2003 micro chipping was simple, every chip was compatible with one universal reader. Since 2003 the microchip manufacturers have developed competing technologies.  The issue here is most microchips now need a specific reader to interpret their own manufactures code.  What this means is, if you microchip your pet and it’s found by animal control or the humane society, they would need the reader that matches your chip in order to identity who’s pet it is. If that agency cannot find a code for your pet, they may assume he’s not chipped.

Today HSUS is trying to appeal to the microchip manufactures to see if they can agree on a universal reader. This is posing a problem because each manufacturer is reluctant to give out their unique chip codes.

So what should you do? If you’re considering a microchip for your pet, you should do the following. Call your local animal care facility and check what microchips they currently support. If they support more then one chip, ask them if they can recommend a specific chip. Next make sure you have proper tags on all your pets. A tag is a sure fire way to identify your pet to others. Last, if you do lose your pet, make sure you post lost pets ads on at least three lost pet sites.