The Dog Microchip Guide: Why & How Microchipping Saves dogs?

Has your furbaby ever jumped the fence in your back yard or slipped out the front door and disappeared in the neighborhood? Hopefully, you were able to find him quickly. But what if you can’t find your special pal? That may depend on whether or not you’ve invested in a dog microchip.

In 2010, the ASPCA conducted a telephone survey of 1,015 households. They found that 15% of the respondents had lost their dog or cat in the past 5 years. In the case of missing pups,

86-97% were found - that’s great news!
38-59% were recovered in the neighborhood
13-29% of missing dogs came home
9-23% were reunited with furry friends thanks to an ID tag or a microchip
Only 2-12% were rediscovered at the local shelter

A 2009 study of 7700 stray animals that were taken to the local shelter revealed that pooches with microchips were linked to their owners 52.2% of the time while only 2.2% of the pups without this ID made it back home. If you can’t find your four-footed friend in your neighborhood, you could increase your chances of a reunion if you microchip your dog.

In this article, we’ll answer the most common questions about microchipping your dog:

What is a Dog Microchip?

A microchip is a radio frequency transponder that’s about the size of a grain of rice. The tiny transmitter is injected under the skin using a hypodermic needle similar to those used to give your furry pal a vaccination. This device carries a specific identification number that’s detectable with a scanner.

You can microchip your pooch at any age. Many shelters will implant the device in animals as young as eight weeks. Another good time to have it done is when you spay or neuter your furbaby. The veterinarian can insert it while Fido is still resting under anesthesia.

According to the Humane Society, microchips, are designed to last for 25 years, so they should work throughout your pup’s lifetime.

A microchip is a minuscule electronic chip that’s encased in a glass cylinder. The device is about the size and shape of a grain of rice. Inside the glass capsule, there’s a copper antenna coil, a tuning capacitor, and the chip.

Each transponder has its own unique identification code, like a vehicle identification number. When a veterinarian’s office or shelter uses a scanner, it will activate the microchip so that the number can be determined. If Fido’s owner registered the microchip with the manufacturer, this number provides a link to their contact information.

Microchip Information privacy

The scanner will only detect a microchip’s ID number and manufacturer. Anyone who scans Fido’s chip would have to contact the manufacturer or a registry to get your contact information, and according to the AVMA, there are protections to help ensure that your identification is secure.

Keeping the microchip functional

Under normal circumstances, there’s nothing you need to do to maintain the microchip, but there are a few things you can do to be proactive:

If you notice any inflammation, swelling, or drainage near the injection site, call your veterinarian.
Have your veterinarian scan the chip at Fido’s annual checkup to make sure it’s functioning properly.
Register with the dog microchip registry and update your data any time your address or other contact information changes.

The durability of a microchip

We’re dealing with technology, which means there’s a risk that the microchip could stop functioning properly. Fortunately, it’s rare. In one study of 2,632 microchips implanted in pets, only 11(0.42%) failed.

10 Benefits Of Microchipping Your Dog

While microchips shouldn’t replace a collar and ID tag, they’re an important component of protecting your special pal. Having your pup implanted offers some valuable benefits, like:

The collar and ID tag can break, fall off, or fade over time. A microchip offers permanent identification that will never be lost.
They increase the chance that you and Fido will be reunited if you lose him. Studies demonstrate that dogs with a microchip are 2.5 times more likely to find their way home.
Chips should last for your pup’s lifetime.
Since veterinary clinics and shelters scan for microchips when a lost dog arrives at their facility, you’re more likely to get your furry friend home sooner with a chip. This is especially important if Fido is on any vital medications.
Microchips make it easier to locate your four-footed friend after a natural disaster such as flooding, tornadoes, or an earthquake.
A microchip can serve as legal proof of ownership if your pet is stolen or lost.
It’s quick, convenient, and fairly inexpensive to microchip your pal. Your veterinarian can do it as part of a routine exam, and it will just feel like one more vaccination to Fido.
With the national registries, you can track your pup down even if he crosses over state lines.
With an ISO compliant microchip, your pup is also protected if you travel overseas with him.
No chip maintenance is required.

Side effects

Microchipping is a safe procedure in most cases. But with any medical procedure where you implant a foreign body, there are a few possible side effects. Fortunately, they are quite rare.

Temporary bleeding at the injection site
Abscesses or swelling around the microchip
Hair loss
Microchip migration to other sites in the body
Tumors
Paralysis from improper chip placement because the patient was struggling

The implanting procedure is not much more painful than a routine shot. As with vaccinations, a hypodermic needle is inserted under the skin to place the microchip. The glass capsule is biocompatible or non-toxic to Fido, so it shouldn’t cause an allergic reaction.

The Cost

The cost will vary depending on your location and whether you schedule an appointment just to microchip Fido or have it done during a routine office visit. According to Petfinder.com, the average cost for implantation and registration is about $45.

If you’re on a limited income, there may be lower cost options in your area, such as that offered by the CCSPCA adoption center in Fresno, CA. This facility offers services as low as $15.

The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas, NV also provides reduced-price microchipping for $25. Check with your veterinarian or your local shelter to see if there are more affordable options where you live.

You may also be able to reduce your costs by purchasing a kit from Amazon and bringing it to your veterinarian during Fido’s annual checkup. There are options available from HomeAgain, Pro-ID (registration fee not included), Animal ID (comes in a 20-pack – this would be a great deal if you’re involved in dog rescue!), and others.

If you choose to purchase a microchip kit this way, we strongly recommend that you have a veterinarian or other trained individual inject it for you.

Microchip misconceptions

Microchips are a helpful identification device because they won’t fall off and they’re tamper-proof. But for the best results, you should use them in combination with other identification. The devices have their limitations.

It Won’t Tell You Your Dog’s Location

No, a microchip is not equipped with a GPS tracker. It remains dormant unless a compatible scanner activates it to read the ID number.

Dog Microchip VS. GPS Tracker

A GPS tracker provides live-time tracking of your pet’s whereabouts while a microchip’s only job is to transmit the identification number when a scanner activates it. In other words, the chip is useful once your pup is found.
A GPS requires a battery or power source to function and is always active. The microchip is a radio frequency identification device, and it does not require any power.
The GPS tracker is larger and external. It cannot be implanted, so there is a risk that it can come off. A pet microchip is about the size of a grain of rice, and it is implanted under the skin. There is no risk of it falling off your dog.
GPS tracker systems require a subscription to be useful. There is no subscription for a microchip. However, some registries do charge a fee to maintain your contact information.
The GPS tracker is transferable to another dog, but a microchip is not.

It Doesn’t Contain Your Dog’s Health Information

Once again, no. Although some devices used for research animals and with livestock can track body temperature, dog microchips do not hold any health data. Some of the registries will allow you to include Fido’s health information in their database, however.

Microchip isn't a replacement for ID tag

Think of the Microchip as a backup form of identification. It’s not meant to replace a collar with a rabies tag and identification badge.

A collar with an ID tag is quicker and more convenient than the microchip. Anyone who finds Fido will know he belongs to you and how to reach you as long as the information is up to date. But if the tag falls off or your pooch slips his collar, he’ll still have the microchip.
The rabies tag alerts people that your pup has been vaccinated. It also has a serial number that can be used to trace Fido back to you. However, if the veterinary clinic or county office that issued the tag is closed for the day, there can be delays. The microchip databases are always accessible.

Pick the right Microchip for your dog

When you’re ready to get your pup microchipped, how do you choose the right one? There are some important things to ask about the device and the manufacturer.

Ask about the warranty and company history. Have they been in business for several years? Is there a lifetime guarantee?
Does the ID number start with a unique 3-digit number or a shared code (900)? Unique numbers will be easier to track.
Does the company have a physical address and database for the registry? When you’re trying to track down a missing pal, it helps to have a live person to talk to.
You want to know whether the microchip complies with ISO standards. There’s more information about this below.

ISO Compatible Microchip

If you’re having Fido microchipped, ask if the manufacturer makes ISO compliant devices. Using a chip that meets these standards is important because it helps make the location process easier should you lose your pup anywhere in the world.

Microchips use something called Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to transmit information to the scanner. In the early days of microchipping, different companies had chips with different transmission frequencies. The scanners of the day were tuned to a specific frequency, and that meant that microchips could be missed if the clinic or shelter didn’t have the right microchip reader.

To help correct the problem, the International Standards Organization (ISO) adopted an international standard frequency for pet microchips. The goal of the standard is to allow worldwide compatibility of devices and scanners.

If your dog is already microchipped, you may be able to contact the manufacturer and ask them. Another option is to scan the chip and check the number. The ISO compliant frequency for a pet microchip is 134.2 kHz, so if Fido’s chip has another frequency it doesn’t meet the standards. Additionally, an ISO compliant microchip will have 15 digits. Non-compliant devices usually have 10 digits or sometimes nine.

Microchip Frequency

The microchip frequency is the radio wave frequency that activates the device. The ISO standard frequency is 134.2 kHz. Other microchip frequencies currently available in the United States are 128 kHz and 125 kHz.

Microchip considerations for International travel

All European countries use ISO Compatible microchips for implanting in pets, and it’s best for your pooch to also have a compliant device. If Fido has a non-compatible chip, it may not be necessary to implant a new one. If you do, you would need to report both IDs on your paperwork. The Animal Plant Health Inspection Service lists your options:

Bring a scanner with you that will read your pup’s microchip.
Contact the Veterinary Officials at your port of destination in the EU to see if they have a universal scanner that can read the device.
Allow a USDA Accredited Veterinarian to implant an ISO compatible microchip and report the number and implant dates for both devices on the EU Health Certificate.

*** If you have a new device implanted, the EU requires that you have your furbaby vaccinated for Rabies after the implantation.

Microchipping your dog

Your veterinarian should be able to implant a microchip during a routine visit. Most clinics have microchips in stock. Because the procedure is similar to giving Fido a shot, no anesthesia is necessary. Even though the process is simple, let your pup’s doctor handle it. They know how to implant the device properly and how to treat any negative reactions or side effects.

The procedure

The tiny device fits inside a hypodermic needle. Your veterinarian or a trained technician knows where and how to place the microchip to ensure that a scanner will be able to detect and read it.

The doctor inserts the device between Fido’s shoulder blades and under his skin using a hypodermic needle that’s a little larger than the ones used for vaccinations. For your pup, the procedure will feel similar to getting a shot.

Can You Microchip a Dog Twice? Yes. The chips will not interfere with each other. A microchip has a transponder that’s activated only when a scanner that’s tuned to read its frequency passes over it.

Locating the microchip on your dog

Because the device is so tiny, it can be hard to detect. On some dogs, you’ll be able to feel the firm, rice-sized object. But in some cases, it may have migrated from the original location or be too deep to palpate.

Using gentle pressure, run your fingertips along Fido’s skin starting between the shoulder blades. Use a methodical approach as you work up and down from shoulder to head then side to side until you have palpated the whole neck area. If you don’t feel a microchip, there could still be one in your pup. The next step would be to have your furbaby scanned.

Removing Microchip From My Dog

We don’t recommend it. While it is possible to remove the microchip, it’s not as simple as implanting one. The device can migrate after it’s deposited under the skin, so there’s no way to mark the exact location. If your veterinarian can feel the chip under the skin, he may be able to make a small incision to remove it. Otherwise, a radiograph and more extensive exploration will be needed to find the tiny device. In the long run, this would cause more trauma than leaving the microchip in place.

Dog microchip registration

Microchips are good for tracking owners of lost dogs. The microchip itself doesn’t carry any information about the owner. When you scan a lost dog’s microchip, all you get is the microchip id. In order to track fido back to you, you have to register the microchip. It’s wise to register directly with the manufacturer and with the national database. The national registry keeps records for all the manufacturers.

Without registration good samaritans may not be able to track your pup back to you if he’s separated from you.

There are three simple steps to register Fido’s microchip:

Get the microchip number - When you have the device implanted, be sure to get the number from your veterinarian. They may include it on your paperwork from the visit. If you don’t have it, you should be able to call the facility or clinic where the procedure was done and have them look it up for you.
Get the microchip type or brand - There are several manufacturers of pet microchips in the United States. You will need the brand for the national registry so that your information can be effectively traced if needed. The implanter should have this information, if not, go to the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup and enter the chip number to discover the possible brands.
Go to the national database registry or another registry such as the Free Pet Microchip Registry and enter the microchip information along with your contact information. Update your personal data whenever you move or change your phone/email. You should also register directly with the chip manufacturer.

National Pet Microchip Registration Database

Pet Microchip Registration [dot] com is the official national database for pet microchips. For a one-time fee, you can register any microchip brand. Shelters and veterinary offices across the nation refer to this database when they find a microchip in a lost pet.

The Free Pet Chip Registry also provides registration for all microchip brands. There is no fee for this registry, and it is a participating pet recovery service with the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup tool.

International Companion Animal Microchip Search Tool

What if you travel abroad with your special pal? Is there a way to find Fido if he runs away in another country? PetMaxx is an international search tool for companion animal microchips. This tool searches databases in different countries to help reunite a missing pet with the owner. For the United States, PetMaxx searches the PetLink database, which is another service where you can register any brand of microchip.

Dog Microchip Lookup

If you find a lost dog, you might wonder what you should do next.

You should call your veterinarian or the local shelter to see if they have a microchip scanner to check for a transmitter.

If the scan gives you a chip ID and manufacturer, check the databases to see if the pup’s owner registered the transmitter. Refer to information below about look-up tools and registries.

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) offers a Universal Pet Microchip Lookup. When someone at a shelter or veterinary clinic scans a lost pooch and finds a microchip ID, they can enter the number at this site.

The microchip lookup is not another registry but an internet-based application. It will search the registry databases of participating companies for an ID match. If it finds the matching number, the service will provide information about which registry to contact.

Dog Microchip Scanners

A dog microchip scanner is a handheld device that sends out radio waves to activate the chip. Once the transponder activates, it will transmit the identification number back to the reader.

The Difference Between a Universal Scanner and a Standard Scanner

A standard scanner is also known as a forward-reading scanner. It can only read the 134.2 kHz radiofrequency. On the other hand, universal scanners can read both forward and backward and are able to detect all microchip frequencies. Using a universal scanner improves your chances of finding and reading a transponder if it’s there.

Examples of microchip scanners include:

HomeAgain Plus Universal Pet Microchip Reader - This device can read all brands or frequencies of microchips and is portable. It has a wall adapter and rechargeable NiMH battery to power the scanner. The product includes a carrying case. Learn more about it here.
Halo Pet Microchip Reader Scanner - The Halo Scanner can read most pet microchips with the exception of the Avid chip and the AKC/Trovan chip. It is a portable device with a lithium battery that is rechargeable via USB. Read more about this product here.
Manruta 134.2 kHz Pet ID Microchip Scanner - The Manruta scanner will read most 10 or 15 digit microchips but can only identify the presence of the Avid Friendchip. The product includes a USB charging cable and a gift bag. It has a reading range of 5-10 cm. You can find more information here.

Microchip scanner for personal use

Microchip readers, such as the ones listed above, are available to the general public for personal use. There are times when having your own reader can come in handy. For example, if you’re traveling to another country and want to be sure the veterinary official at the port of entry can verify your chip. In many cases, however, you can rely on the local shelter or your veterinarian to scan for a microchip. They’re likely to have more practice and experience with the scanning procedure.

Scanning A Dog For A Microchip

It takes practice to learn how to properly scan for a dog microchip. Be systematic and patient in your approach.

Pre-Scan Preparations

Before you begin scanning, make sure the batteries are fully charged. Weak batteries can affect the reader’s function. You should also verify that your scanner is universal and able to read all chip frequencies.

Scanning Technique

Scan slowly and methodically. Depending on Fido’s size, it should take 10-20 seconds to check for a microchip.
Start between the shoulder blades and scan in a serpentine pattern from head to tail. Go very slowly,about ½ foot per second. Try to gently rock the scanner back and forth as you go.
Keep the scanner close to Fido by either lightly touching the skin/coat or hovering just above.
If you don’t find a microchip in the expected place, rotate the reader 90 degrees and scan again.
Next, you can slowly scan other parts of the body, by checking down the sides of the legs, the neck, under the chest, and behind the front legs.
If you still can’t find a chip, let another person scan. Sometimes a second person can find a device that was missed on the first run.

AAHA Lookup compatible databases

Several companies participate with the service so that it’s easier to reconnect missing pups with their families.

24PetWatch Pet Protection Services
911PetChip & Free Pet Chip Registry
ACA MARRS
AKC Reunite
BC Pet Registry
BeKind PetFind
BuddyID™
EIDAP
Found Animals
Furreka
HomeAgain
Homeward Bound Pet
Identrac Inc.
InfoPET
International Pet Registry
Microchip I.D. Solutions
Nanochip ID Inc.
National Animal Identification Center
Peeva
PetKey
PetLink
Petstablished
Prime Trackr
Save This Life
SmartTag Microchip

Finding Your Lost Dog

If your special pal slips out the door or out of his collar, you may not be able to locate him easily. With a microchip, you increase your chances of a happy ending. That’s because if a good Samaritan finds your pooch and brings him to a local shelter or veterinary clinic, the personnel there will probably scan for a chip. If they find the ID, they’ll be able to contact you.

Microchips are not tracking devices, but they do provide identification that helps facilitate reunions. If Fido slips out the door or loses his collar but has a microchip, here are some things you can do to try to find him:

Keep your contact information up to date

If you haven’t already registered the microchip with the national database and manufacturer, do so now. This provides anyone who scans your pup’s ID with contact information. Check with the veterinarian or shelter that implanted the chip if you don’t know the number. Make sure to update vital information like a phone number or email if you already completed the registration process. The company can also “red flag” your furbaby to let others know that he’s lost.

Be Proactive

Post flyers in the neighborhood. Search the area. Report your missing dog to Helpinglostpets.com / PetFBI / 24PetWatch and put out lost dog notices on sites like Craigslist, Nextdoor, and local Facebook groups.

Call Shelters and Veterinary Clinics in the Area

Alert local facilities about your missing pup. Check to see if they have a dog matching your pal’s description. You can visit them and provide a flyer. Then, if Fido shows up, they’ll know who to contact.

Wait For the Manufacturer to Contact You

Once you’ve done your part, it’s a waiting game. Have someone who can man the phone or provide a cellular number to contact so that you don’t miss an important call or text message.

Reasons Why Your Dog's Microchip Might Not Work

Outright failure is rare, but there are some other reasons that an implanted microchip could be missed.

The microchip migrated to another location in the body and is out of the range of the scanner.
Interference from excess body fat, matted hair, or metal on Fido’s collar if it’s too close to the chip. The last one can be avoided by removing the collar prior to scanning.
Improper scanning technique
The scanner is not set to the same frequency as the implanted microchip

4 Inspiring Stories of Lost and Found

If you’re still on the fence about whether to microchip your dog, we hope these true stories about how microchips helped reunite lost pups with their owners will inspire you.

Jacksonville Family Reunited With Lost Dog by Chance

A family in Jacksonville came to a Humane Society adoption event at a local Pet Smart to adopt a kitten. While they were standing in line, the father noticed one of the workers leashing a brown and white dog to take him for a walk. He immediately recognized, “Dopey” and called out the pup’s name.

Their pooch went missing at the end of summer and came to the shelter a few months later on October 1. This happy reunion occurred because the family just happened to come to the adoption event. We can only wonder if they could have found Dopey sooner if they had him microchipped.

Microchip Reunites Pup and Family After 12 Years

In 2007, a toy fox terrier named Dutchess dashed out the front door of her Orlando, FL home and disappeared. Her owner, Katheryn, checked the local shelters every day for weeks but assumed she was either hit by a car or taken by another person. Refusing to give up all hope, Katheryn continued to pay the annual microchip fee and kept her contact information current.

When someone in Pittsburgh, PA found the hungry, shivering pup cowering under his shed, he took her to the local Humane Animal Rescue facility. Staffers successfully scanned the dog’s microchip and traced it back to Katheryn, now living in Boca Raton, FL. Upon learning that her long lost furbaby had been found, Katheryn drove 1,130 miles to reunite with her pooch. Without a microchip, Katheryn may have never seen her furbaby again.

Couple Reunited With Yorkie After 6 Years

Bandit disappeared through an open gate from Tia and Gregg’s Sheridan, WY backyard six years before a good Samaritan in Colleton County, SC found him. Bandit was wandering along a Cottageville Road when the stranger picked him up and took him to an area veterinary clinic.

Because Bandit was microchipped, the staff at the clinic was able to track down Tia and Gregg. The couple was in tears when they heard that their beloved pal was found. Laura Clark, Director of the Colleton County Animal Shelter credits the happy ending to the microchip and the owners for keeping their information up to date.

Microchip Helps Owner Find Pup That Wandered Off After Storms

A Springfield, MO owner lost her pet Yorkie one Sunday night after heavy storms blew her gate open. The little pup slipped through the opening and wandered off. Although Lora quickly posted on a local Lost and Found page, no one had any information about little Chanel.

A week after the dreadful night, Lora received a text message from the microchip company telling her that Chanel had been located. The person who found her brought her to a local veterinarian for a checkup. Upon scanning for ID, the doctor discovered the microchip and was able to initiate the joy-filled reunion.

Final Thoughts

We want to believe losing a beloved furbaby would never happen to us. But if the unthinkable does occur, we can increase our chances of bringing Fido home by being proactive. The potential benefits of microchipping your pup far outweigh the risks. Add this measure to other identification for your pal’s safety and your peace of mind.