How Microchipping Works for Your Pet
September 3, 2020 by Lost Found Rewards in Blog

How Microchipping Works for Your Pet

Know How Microchipping Works Wonders for Your Beloved Pets

The microchip technology for pets is safe and simple, and that is what makes it brilliant. The main function of a microchip is to keep a unique ID number used for retrieving the contact information of its owner. It is not the same as a tracker that needs a power source like a better.

When the microchip scanner passes over the skin of a microchipped pet, the chip will emit radio frequency signals. The scanner will then read the ID code, which is unique for every microchip. Then, they will call the microchip registry, and it will give the ID number used to retrieve the contact information of the owner from their database to recover pets.

 

What is a Microchip?

A microchip is a very tiny chip implanted between your pet’s shoulder blades. Believe it or not, it’s just as small as a grain of rice. The microchip number given to your pet is unique and it can be detected by a microchip scanner. The microchip’s number is recorded on a database where details of the animal and owner can be found. The owner’s contact details must be recorded on the database against the pet’s microchip number.

If your pet gets lost or wanders off, animal shelters and vets can scan your pet if there is a microchip and you will be contacted through their database.

 

The Frequency of Microchips Vary

Microchip devices are passive, meaning their energy does not come from an internal source. Microchips are dormant until a scanner activates them. There are different microchip frequencies used:

  • 125kHz chip – Just until recently, this frequency was the most common and most scanners can read it.
  • 134kHz chip – This was introduced in 2004 and it is based on the specifications that were developed by the international standards organization or ISO. The microchip code format for the ID code is a numeric code that contains 15 digits using 0-9. The first three digits are the country code or the manufacturer’s code. This is normally the global standard for microchips because it is used by the entire microchipping world.
  • 128 kHz chip – This was introduced in 2007, and many scanners can read it, but not all of them.

Does the Frequency Matter?

Basically, all veterinary clinics and shelters have scanners. There are thousands of universal scanners that can read any frequency, including the ones that are ISO standard.

A lot of animal health leaders recommend microchipping your pet, and getting the one that is ISO standard because it is the most recognized.

In case you travel outside the country with your pet, there is a big chance that the other country will require that your pet is microchipped. If so, most likely the country you will visit can scan ISO microchip because most countries are meeting these standards.

If your pet’s microchip has a different frequency, just let the agency of that country know. There are countries that will let your pet in if you have a microchip scanner that can read the ID number on your pet.

 

Is Microchipping Painful?

Microchipping your pet is a fast, simple, and safe way that causes very little discomfort to your pet. Some may flinch or yelp a little while the chip is implanted, but it is very minimal pain and it only goes for a short while. Your pet will forget about it right away.

Microchipping is very important when it comes to reuniting the pet with its owner. In case your pet goes missing, you will have a better chance of being reunited with them if they have a microchip.
Putting a microchip on your pet is worth it. The momentary ounce of pain is just a small price to pay to ensure that your pet is well identified and secure.

How Microchipping Works for Your Pet

 

When Should You Microchip Your Pet?

Your pet must be microchipped upon purchasing or adopting them. This is an effective way of tracing where they came from. However, in case your pet has not been microchipped yet, then it is recommended that you book an appointment with the vet to have it done. There are states and local councils that make it compulsory or else you will get penalized.

If you happen to lose your pet or you have found one, you can contact Lost Found Rewards because people bring lost pets there or check if they have their pet.