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A Guide to Dog Microchip Identification and Registration
Dog microchip identification and registration has become an
effective tool in the identification and return of lost dogs to
their owners. The manufacturers of these microchips have
developed databases and hotlines that allow a person with the
appropriate reader to identify the dog, his owner and safely
return him home.
Microchips
Microchips are electronic devices that carry a unique
identifying number. Barely the size of a grain of rice, the
microchip is loaded into a syringe and inserted under the dog’s
skin over the left shoulder. Once inserted, the technician uses
a reader to ensure that the microchip is working and readable.
Because microchips do not have a power source, the correct
reader must be used in order to pick up your dog’s unique
identification number. The appropriate information, including
your dog’s name, description and your contact information is
then entered into the appropriate database. If your dog is ever
lost, his microchip can be read and he can be returned to you.
Microchip Manufacturers
There are several microchip manufacturers and while similar,
each utilizes different frequencies on their chips and offer a
variety of services. Microship frequencies are 125 kHz, 128 kHz
and 134.2 kHz. Your veterinarian or local animal shelter can
help guide you toward the chips and frequencies most in use in
your area to ensure that the microchip will be able to be read.
Because of the different frequencies, each manufacturer has
their own reader to pick up that particular frequency. Some have
also developed readers that can pick up more than one of the
frequencies in use in the microchips.
Services Offered by Microchip Manufacturers
The standard services offered by the microchip manufacturers
are registration of the microchip number with your dog’s and
your information and a toll free number that can be called to
search the registration database for the information registered
for any particular microchip. Some offer worldwide access to the
database in addition to access to your particular region.
Additional services are available for a fee, depending upon
the manufacturer. Enhanced services offered often include free
database information update, alternate contact information,
upgraded brass collar tag, free downloadable posters should your
pet go missing and wallet cards with critical information
including the pet’s ID number and phone number to report a
missing pet.
Pet Insurance is an option that would be tied to your pet’s
identification number. Should they become injured while lost,
the insurance would cover medical treatment they might need.
In today’s mobile society and the prevalence of the family
dog joining his family on their vacations and road trips, having
your dog be readily identifiable is important to ensure he is
able to be returned to you should you become separated. While
dog tags are easily seen, they are also easily lost or separated
from your dog’s collar. Microchipping provides for a way to
identify your dog that will stay with him for his lifetime. Most
veterinarians, animal shelters and companion pet fairs offer
microchip insertion for a fee and are equipped to read the
microchips in order to identify you and your dog, making it
easier to return him to his family.
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